Lee Declares from Test cricket

Brett Lee Retires from Test Cricket

Lee, who has been curtailed by injury in recent times, retires from the longest form of the game after wearing the Baggy Green in 76 Tests in a career that has lasted over a decade.

The blonde speedster burst onto the Test match scene in the summer of 1999-00, making his debut against India in the 3 mobile Boxing Day Test bowling with great pace on his way to taking 5-47 in the first innings and finishing with seven for the match.

After becoming Australia’s 383rd Test representative, Lee takes off the Baggy Green with 310 wickets to his name at an average 30.81, leaving him fourth on Australia’s all-time Test wicket-takers list (behind Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Dennis Lillee) and 22nd on the world list.

Reflecting on his career, Lee said he was very honoured to have represented his country and proud of what he has achieved in the Test arena.

“I am extremely proud to have played Test cricket for Australia. My reason for retiring from this form of the game is so that I can preserve my body and continue to represent my country in the other forms of the game,” Lee said.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland paid tribute to Lee and his outstanding efforts playing for the Australian Test team over the last 10 years.

“Brett’s had a fantastic career in Test match cricket for Australia over a long period and I take this opportunity to congratulate him on the way he has represented his country and the outstanding contribution he has made,” Mr Sutherland said.

“Brett has played a key role in helping the Australian team be one of the most successful Test teams in history.

“But it’s also the way he went about his cricket; with a readiness to smile and a clear enjoyment of what he was doing, which also helped lift the team’s popularity and won the support of fans in Australia and throughout the world.

“While Brett has announced his retirement from Test cricket, the NSP will continue to monitor his progress as he returns from injury and will be keeping a close eye on his form in the shorter formats.”