Lee to retire after 20 years

SYDNEY: Australian pace bowler Brett Lee yesterday announced he is to retire from all forms of cricket after a 20-year career, saying he was both emotional and excited.

The 38-year-old called time on his international commitments in July 2012, but continued to play Twenty20 in both the Australian Big Bash League and the Indian Premier League.

His Sydney Sixers have one Big Bash regular-season match remaining, against cross-town rivals the Sydney Thunder next Thursday at the Sydney Cricket Ground ahead of a possible finals clash.

“When that last ball’s bowled I’ll walk off happy and content,” Lee said. “I’m excited, I’m emotional, I’m happy, but I’m certainly not worried because I know that I’ve made the right call.”

Lee played 76 Tests for Australia, taking 310 wickets, and 221 one-dayers with 380 dismissals.

His fastest delivery cracked the 161kph mark, with the blond speedster consistently bowling at 150kph over 20 years, making him a fearsome opponent.