Ryan Harris announces immediate retirement

Ryan Harris was injured again ahead of the 1st Test

Australian fast bowler Ryan Harris has announced his immediate retirement from International cricket four days ahead of the first Ashes Test, ESPNcricinfo has reported. He was already ruled out of the match as his knee problems persisted, but now with scans revealing more bad news, he has decided to end his career which has been hampered by injuries right from the beginning.

"Given the news I received yesterday, and after talking it over with my family, I know now is the right is the time to step away from cricket," Harris said. "I'm pretty lucky, I have had a wonderful career and nothing made me prouder than pulling on the baggy green. I played 27 more Tests than I ever thought I would and I have relished every single moment of them. I couldn't have played with a better bunch of blokes and walking away from the team and our support staff is probably the hardest thing to stomach right now. This is a very special team and I know they will do Australia proud in this Ashes series. I know I will certainly be watching every ball.

"I am lucky enough to have a wonderful family who have supported me through the ups and downs of my career and I'm looking forward to the next chapter of my life with them and spending time with my new son Carter. Whatever is next for me, and I don't know what that is right now, I know it will still involve cricket as that is what I love and I want to be able to give back to the game that has given me so much," he further revealed.

The 35-year-old despite having played only 27 Tests in his career was looked at upon as the team’s spearhead whenever he took the field because of his impeccable record which reads 113 wickets at an average of 23.52. His last Test was at Sydney against India in January earlier this year after which he decided to rest until the Ashes so that he can help Australia win in England for the first time in 14 years.

He has been replaced by Pat Cummins for the series.