Australia fast-bowler Ryan Harris has today announced his retirement from all forms of cricket after injury ruled him out of taking any further part in the Qantas Tour of the British Isles.
Ryan Harris of Australia has call it quit in all form of the game. Photo by Nick Reid
Harris, 35, made his Test debut for Australia in 2010 in a match against New Zealand in Wellington at the age of 30. He played 27 Tests and took 113 wickets at an average of 23.52 with best bowling of 7/117 against England at Chester-le-Street in 2013. He also played 21 one-day internationals claiming 44 wickets at an average of 18.90.
Harris started his career as an all-rounder in South Australia before a move to Queensland in 2008 where he concentrated on pace bowling. From that moment he never looked back, eventually earning national representation and becoming the spearhead of the Australian attack.
Harris said he made the decision to retire following his latest knee injury, acknowledging that he could get no more out of his body.
“Given the news I received yesterday, and after talking it over with my family, I know now is the right is the time to step away from cricket,” Harris said.
“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 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.
“Whatever is next for me, and I don’t know what that is right now, I know it will still involve cricket as that is what I love and I want to be able to give back to the game that has given me so much.”
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.
“His beautiful wife Cherie and his new son Carter, his dad Jim, his late mum Gai and his brother Gavin will be so proud of him and what he has achieved and the legacy he leaves behind.
“The team and I are certainly very proud of everything he has achieved on and off the field and we wish him all the best in whatever he decides to do next.
Cricket Australia Chairman Wally Edwards paid tribute to Harris.
“On behalf of the Cricket Australia Board I’d like to congratulate Ryan on an outstanding career,” Mr Edwards said.
“Ryan has been a wonderful role model and has proved to state cricketers around the nation that age is no barrier to national selection if you have talent, commitment and a burning desire to succeed.
“What made Ryan a special player is that he was there for his team when it mattered most. Lionhearted effort after lionhearted effort consistently put Australia in winning positions.
“Who will ever forget the image of a battle weary Ryan Harris defying the odds to bowl Australia to a famous series victory in South Africa last year?
“We wish him and his young family well for the future. He will be missed from the international scene but we look forward to him remaining involved with the game in some way.”
