On this day 2010: Australia’s Brett Lee announces retirement from Test cricket
On this day in 2010, Australia fast bowler Brett Lee announced his retirement from Test cricket.
The quick had sustained a number of niggles that had ruled him out of the long format of the game for nearly two years, including a side strain that kept him out of the 2009 series where England reclaimed the Ashes on home soil.
At his peak he was one of the most feared bowlers in cricket and his pace saw him bowl one of the fastest deliveries in Test cricket, but Lee decided to retire after speaking to friend and former England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff.
“I’m not 21, I’m 33. Trying to bowl at 150kph (93mph) for five days is very hard on the body,” Lee said.
“As far as my cricket goes, anything is possible – I may play one-dayers, or no cricket at all.
“I may never bowl another ball and if that’s the case, I’m so satisfied with my career and my longevity.
Congratulations to @BrettLee_58 on your impending retirement, you’ve made Australian Cricket proud. pic.twitter.com/XFsYxxYXkK
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) January 15, 2015
“I’m not saying it’s definitely over, but I’m not sure what I want to be just yet.”
His Test career finished with him taking 310 wickets in 76 matches, but Lee went on to represent Australia in one-day and T20 internationals until 2012.
He also continued to play domestic cricket, finishing his career with the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash in 2015.
Latest
-
NewsSurvivors group criticises ECB over ‘lack of transparency’ around Hyam report
Matthew Hyam was sentenced to two years and four months’ imprisonment in September 2021.
-
News‘Outstanding candidate’ Peter Moores to lead Melbourne Stars in Big Bash
Moores becomes the only overseas head coach in Australia’s T20 competition.
-
NewsEngland captain Ben Stokes to manage fitness during IPL ahead of Ashes
Stokes has already started work with Chennai Super Kings, who signed him for a bumper £1.6million in December.
-
The HundredMike Hussey hoping gamble on Pakistan ‘big stars’ pays dividends for Welsh Fire
Pace duo Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf were snapped up during last week’s Hundred draft.
-
ScotlandCricket Scotland anti-racism group members quit over perceived lack of progress
Cricket Scotland chairman Anjan Luthra last week claimed progress was being made.
-
South AfricaJohnson Charles and Quinton de Kock make history in record Proteas run chase
Charles posted the fastest T20I century by a West Indian.
-
West IndiesJohnson Charles smashes Chris Gayle’s record for West Indies’ fastest T20 ton
Charles hammered 118 from 46 balls against South Africa, reaching three figures from 39 deliveries.
-
EnglandSam Billings defends decision to pick Pakistan ahead of tour action with England
The 31-year-old has urged the England and Wales Cricket Board to change the financial situation for players.
-
The AshesZak Crawley issues a case for the defence as attention shifts to an Ashes summer
The 25-year-old batter had a disappointing winter with the bat but says he has a good defensive technique.
-
South AfricaI’ve made up my mind – David Bedingham picks South Africa over England
Bedingham qualifies for a British passport in two years.