One of Australia's fiercest-ever bowlers Brett Lee announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket.
The 35-year-old was forced to return home early from Australia's one-day international tour of England earlier this month after suffering a calf injury.
Lee had said earlier he was hopeful of playing in the upcoming World T20 in September in Sri Lanka; however, after the latest setback, the Australian fast bowler decided to call time on his glittering career.
"The last two or three nights I thought about it a lot," Lee told Australia's Channel 9. "I woke up this morning and just felt like I was ready.
"I think personally in a team environment you have to have 100% commitment -- mentally and physically.
"And I guess looking at the next few months I just didn't have that desire any more.
"It wouldn't be fair on me, or my team if I went with that attitude. You get to the point in life where you say enough is enough."
Lee finished with 380 wickets from 221 matches at an impressive average of 23.36. He fell one short of Glenn McGrath's Australian record of 381 scalps.
Lee had retired from Test cricket in 2010, after claiming 310 wickets from 76 matches.
The hugely popular Australian is expected to continue playing for New South Wales in the shorter formats as well as in the Indian Premier League, where he recently helped the Kolkata Knight Riders to their first title.
"His record as a wicket-taker and leader of the attack is fantastic and speaks for itself but his resilience and ability to bounce back after numerous injuries has also been impressive," Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland said.
"On top of this, and this is a significant part of his legacy, Brett inspired young Australians to play cricket and bowl fast."
"Today one of Australia's most outstanding fast bowlers announced his retirement," National selector John Inverarity added. "Brett Lee's record speaks for itself.
"He first represented Australia as an exciting fast bowler in the Boxing Day Test in 1999 and played his last match played for Australia on 7 July this year. In that period he captured 310 Test wickets (fourth on the all-time list) and 380 ODI wickets, second only to Glenn McGrath. Including T20s Brett took 738 international wickets and on numerous occasions had an impact with the bat, always in an entertaining manner.
"The statistics only tell part of the story. Brett has been an absolute ornament to the game; a fine player, a fierce and brave competitor, a generous opponent and one who always upheld the highest standards of sportsmanship. He has been a cricketer in every sense of the word.
"The "Spirit of Cricket" has received prominence in recent years. Brett Lee has been the very embodiment of this for 13 years at the international level. He leaves the scene having made friends and won respect throughout the cricketing world, not only for his outstanding achievements and wholehearted efforts, but also for his generosity of spirit and readiness to help others.
"Australia's young fast bowlers have greatly benefitted from his mentoring and the standards he has set in recent years.
"The international cricketing world salutes Brett Lee, thanks him for his wonderful contribution to the game and wishes him well for the future. His ready and defining smile will be missed."
