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Ryan Harris announces retirement from all forms of cricket

London, July 4: Australia's fast bowler Ryan Harris today announced his retirement from all forms of the game with immediate effect after he was ruled out of the Ashes 2015 series due to a knee injury.

The 35-year-old right-arm paceman played 27 Tests and 21 ODIs for Australia. His international career was marred by knee injuries and ahead of the Ashes series starting on July 8 in England, he called it quits suddenly on Saturday after failing to recover in time from right knee injury. Pat Cummins was named as his replacement for the Ashes.

File photo of Ryan Harris

"Given the news I received yesterday, and after talking it over with my family, I know now is the right time to step away from cricket," Harris said. He had scans on his right knee which showed new damage, preventing him from playing in the Ashes. Last year, he underwent surgery on the injured knee.

'Have had a wonderful career'

"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.

Harris said he would miss his teammates the most. "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."

Cricket Australia's (CA) physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said, "Ryan unfortunately experienced right knee pain during the tour match in Canterbury which was consistent with his ongoing knee condition. Whilst Ryan has had similar knee pain in the past, on this occasion it was more severe and he was unable to play in the Essex tour match.

"He had scans in London this week which revealed new damage to his existing knee injury. Unfortunately the damage to the joint means it is unlikely that he would recover in time to play a part in this Series."

Never say die attitude

Coach Darren Lehmann said, "I was lucky enough to captain Ryan as a grade cricketer, a rookie player and as a state cricketer. He was one of the most talented players I had ever seen."

"Ryan always gave it his all for his country and he epitomises everything the baggy green stands for. His never say die attitude was his signature as he left absolutely nothing on the field each time he played and I think that is something for which he should be incredibly proud.

"His beautiful wife Cherie and his new son Carter, his dad Jim, his late mum Gai and his brother Gavin will be so proud of him and what he has achieved and the legacy he leaves behind.

"The team and I are certainly very proud of everything he has achieved on and off the field and we wish him all the best in whatever he decides to do next."

Known as "Rhino", Harris made his Test debut against New Zealand in Wellington in 2010. His last Test was against India in January this year in Sydney. He took 113 Test and 44 ODI wickets.

Some of the reactions from current and former players to Harris' shock retirement

OneIndia News

Story first published: Thursday, August 3, 2017, 7:26 [IST]
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