Brett Lee retires from international cricket

Australian pace bowler Brett Lee on Friday announced his retirement from international cricket after a 13-year career, saying his body and mind were no longer up to the stresses of touring.

“It's official, I have retired from international cricket. Thanks for all your love and support. It's been an amazing 13 years,” Lee said via Twitter ahead of an official news conference. Lee, 35, who returned home early from Australia's one-day tour of England this month with calf problems, said it was the right time to call an end to his long career.

“I woke up this morning and knew I had to call it quits today.

Friday the 13th, 13 years (since his Test debut), I thought it was pretty appropriate,” he told Channel Nine.

“I thought I would go over there and try and play the Twenty20 World Cup (in Sri Lanka in September), but (being) mentally and physically challenged, it would just not be worth it.

“So I'm walking away happy with the call I've made.” Lee said while he had enjoyed his cricket career, he was tired of being away from home for long periods and was looking forward to a different phase of his life.

“It's been a fantastic career and I've loved every minute of it, but it's stage two of my life now,” he said. AFP