'All Good Things Must End'

Australian Test captain Steve Waugh, one of thegreatest batsmen in cricketing history who also won millions of Indian heartsfor his charity work, today announced his retirement from internationalcompetition at the end of the upcoming series in India.

The 38-year-old Waugh, a living legend who turned theAustralians into an invincible team in world cricket, will bring his illustrious19-year-old career to an end after the fourth Test in early January.

"My present form and fitness suggests I could playon but all good things must come to an end and I believe Sydney is the perfectplace," Waugh told a press conference at the Sydney Cricket Ground,televised live throughout Australia.

"I want to leave the game on a high and I justthink the time is right now," said Waugh, who led Australia to phenomenal40 Test wins from 53 matches, which included only eight defeats and five draws.

The Australian captain, a role-model for aspiringcricketers the world over, compiled 10,660 runs in 164 Tests at an average of51.25, being the second highest run-getter behind compatriot Allan Border. He issecond to Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar (34) in century makers list with 32hundreds, three more than Australian great Don Bradman.

His records in the shorter version of the game wasequally impressive, collecting 7569 runs in 325 matches at an average of 32.90.

Waugh, who made his debut in international cricket in 1985-86 against India,will end his distinguished career against the same country, should he beselected for the four- match Test series starting on December 4 in Brisbane.

"The upcoming Sydney Test will be my last forAustralia should I be selected to play," he said.

During his 19-year international career, Waugh achievedseveral distinctions, which included leading Australia to a record 16consecutive Test wins and clinching the World Cup in 1999.

Known to produce his best when the team is in direstraits, Waugh's Test best of 200 came under trying circumstances against theWest Indies at the Sabina Park in April 1995.

An emotional Waugh said though he was bit"sad" while taking the decision, he would engage himself in doingother things, which include some more philanthropic works in India.

"There is that element of sadness," Waughsaid. "But the overwhelming emotion for me is there is a lot more to do inlife and I am looking forward to it." The Australian Test captain said hewas keen to raise more funds to start a new school in India after hisretirement.

Waugh, who has scored 823 runs from 14 Test matches at41.25 against India, is an immensely popular figure in India for charity work inUdayan, a home for children of leprosy patients located in the outskirts ofKolkata.

Fondly called as "Steve da" by the inmates of Udayan, Waugh said thatthe children's home will be the "pursuit of my life".

Today's announcement put an end to speculation overWaugh's cricketing future though the player seemed to be in an imperious formhitting 729 runs at a staggering average of 130 in his last nine Test matches.

There was no immediate announcement on a successor, butWaugh said he believes one-day captain Ricky Ponting is most likely to be thenext Test skipper.

"The obvious choice is Ricky Ponting," hesaid. "He has done a great job with the one-day side. He has been groomedto take over." Waugh said he was now looking forward to spending more timewith his wife, Lynette, and three children.

"Lynette, Rosy, Austin and Lily have supported mycricket ambitions in a selfless manner," he said. "I now look forwardto spending more time with them in a more traditional family unit.

"I just feel right now I am playing consistentcricket, I'm really enjoying my cricket. My family and friends will be there inSydney, it's a great place to finish and I think now is the right time,"the veteran said.

For Waugh, a series win in India remains the finalunfulfilled conquest of his Test career.

Wishing his team-mates well for the 2004 tour of thesub-continent, he said, "It is still going to be a great challenge to theguys going to India next year, and I'll be supporting them and watching them andhope they do well. I just won't be there.

PTI