McGrath announces retirement

In a surprise move after comments from the man himself yesterday, McGrath announced today that he will retire from international cricket after the 2007 World Cup in the Caribbean.

The announcement therefore means that his final Test match for Australia will be the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

McGrath said in the press conference “It’s probably a perfect or fitting ending. It’s only been the last few days that I’ve really thought about it.”

McGrath made his Test debut against New Zealand in 1993 and has taken 555 wickets at an average of 21.65 making him the most succesful fast bowler in the history of Test cricket.

McGrath had spent most of 2006 out of cricket due to his wife Jane’s battle with cancer and there was speculation the whole way through that period that he would retire to spend more time with his family.