Shane Warne to retire from international one-day cricket

Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne announced today that he will retire from international one-day cricket after the International Cricket Council World Cup 2003 which starts in South Africa next month.

Australia's leading one-day international wicket taker said he made the decision after discussion with medical advisers, national selectors, the national coach, John Buchanan, Australian team captains Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh and the Australian Cricket Board (ACB).

"Having suffered a second major injury to my right shoulder has made me think about what I can do to prolong my playing career, particularly in Test cricket," he said.

"I have been pleased with my recovery since the injury on 15 December but I have now suffered two major injuries to the one area, I am 33 and I'm not getting any younger."

"I'm really looking forward to completing the recovery and hopefully helping the boys successfully defend the World Cup in February and March".

"My number one priority after the World Cup is playing Test cricket for Australia and I will not be doing anything to jeopardise that".

Chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said selectors and Warne had talked through the long-term pressures of one-day international cricket.

"The selectors agree that removing those pressures should prolong his effectiveness as a Test bowler," Hohns said.

Warne is still hoping to force his way back into the side for the current VB Series finals between Australia and England.

Longer term, he plans to continue playing for Victoria and Hampshire, subject to constant medical monitoring of workload and fitness designed to ensure his ability to play Test cricket is not compromised.

Warne has played 191 one-day internationals for Australia since his debut against New Zealand in Auckland in 1992-93, including 11 as captain. He has taken 288 wickets at an average of 25.79 with best figures of 5/33. He has made 1016 runs at an average of 13.19, with a top score of 55. He has held 80 catches.

His last one-day international for Australia was against England at the MCG on December 15, during which he dislocated his right shoulder while fielding to his own bowling. He is the sixth highest wicket taker in one-day international history, and the highest wicket-taker for Australia.

He has played 107 Tests for Australia, taking 491 wickets at 25.71 since 1991-92 and is the second highest wicket taker in Test history behind West Indian Courtney Walsh, who took 519 wickets in his 132-Test career.