Australian pacer Harris announces sudden retirement

London, July 4 (IANS) Australia fast bowler Ryan Harris announced his retirement from all forms of cricket with immediate effect on Saturday.

Harris said he made the decision to retire following his latest knee injury, acknowledging that he could get no more out of his body.

Cricket Australia (CA) confirmed the news on social networking site Twitter, posting, "Ryan Harris has announced his retirement from all cricket effective immediately."

Medical scans here on Friday confirmed the pacer has done more damage to his dodgy right knee, which meant he had to sit out this year's Ashes series, starting on June 8.

CA brought in fast bowler Pat Cummins as a replacement for the 35-year-old for the upcoming series.

"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 in a CA release.

"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 also 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,” he said. 

Australia's 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."

"On behalf of the Cricket Australia Board I’d like to congratulate Ryan on an outstanding career," CA chairman Wally Edwards said.

In 27 Tests, Harris picked up 113 wickets at an average of 23.52. He also claimed 44 wickets from 21 One-Day Internationals.   He was also instrumental in the 2013-14 Ashes triumph picking up 22 wickets in the five match Test series.