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SYDNEY (Australia): One of the most brilliant Australian Captain Stephen (Steve) Waugh today announced his retirement from international cricket. His retirement will take effect immediately following the forthcoming 3 Test Series against India.

Waugh has been hailed as "one of the greatest" cricketers that his country has ever produced after making the surprise decision to bring the curtain down on an 18-year Test career at the end of the forthcoming series against India.

It will be an emotional farewell for Waugh with his final game, the fourth Test of the series, to be played in front of his home supporters at the Sydney Cricket Ground in January.

Waugh's stated desire had been to lead Australia to India next year, the only place his side has come unstuck in recent years.

But that will have to remain unconquered territory for the game's most successful captain, whose desire to quit on his own terms, while on top of his game, was of paramount importance.

"My present form and fitness suggest I could go on, but all good things must come to an end and Sydney is the perfect place to finish," said Waugh.

"I just believe now is the right time. I believe I am playing good cricket. It's been on my mind for a long time now."

Statement issued by Steve Waugh

This morning I sent letters to Bob Merriman, James Sutherland and Trevor Hohns of Cricket Australia, advising of my intention to retire from international cricket, as both Captain and player, at the completion of the Indian Series in Australia.

The upcoming Sydney Test will be my last for Australia, should I be selected to play.

My present form and fitness suggests I could play on, however all good things must come to an end. Sydney is the perfect place to finish.

The last 12 months have been amongst the most challenging and also the most rewarding of my career. During the last year, the support of the public has been an inspiration for me.

I have enjoyed playing cricket for my country and wish to thank all my team mates – both past and present – for their support, friendship and loyalty to me, first as a player and then as a captain. I wish them all, and Cricket Australia, every success in the coming years.

I also must mention the opposition players, on all levels and from all countries, who have assisted in shaping my cricketing career. I have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to play against, and socialise with each and every one of you. Thank you.

Perhaps by far the best outcome for me as an individual in retiring is the opportunity to now spend quality time with my family. Lynette, Rosie, Austin and Lilly have supported my cricket ambitions in a selfless manner. I look forward now to the opportunity to spend time with them as a more traditional family unit.

Finally, a thank you to the media, for your support over these years. I look forward to seeing you over the course of the Indian series.

STATISTICAL RECORD TO DATE

Test Career M Inn NO Runs H.S. 50 100 Ave Ct
164 253 45 10660 200 48 32 51.25 112

Highest Scores
Bangladesh 156*
England 177*
India 150
New Zealand 151*
Pakistan 157
Sri Lanka 170
South Africa 164
West Indies 200
Zimbabwe 151*

Highest score: 200 v West Indies, Kingston, 1994-95
He has played the most Test matches (164) by any player.
He requires 515 runs to pass Allan Border's Test record of 11,174 runs.
He requires three centuries to pass Indian Sunil Gavaskar's 34 centuries.
Steve Waugh is the most successful Test captain of all time with 40 victories from his 53 Tests with a success rate of 75.47 per cent.