Australia's Mark Waugh announced his retirement from international cricket today after being dropped from Australia's team for next week's first Ashes test with England.
The 37-year-old batsman, whose 128 tests placed him fifth on the all-time list of appearances, said he knew his international career was over but would continue to play first class cricket.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to announce my retirement from international cricket, having been left out of the current test team and one-day team earlier this year," Waugh told reporters.
"I feel my chances of playing for Australia at 37 have led me to this decision," he said.
"While I'm disappointed not to play for Australia again I've been very lucky to have played for so long in a great era of Australian cricket. At this stage I will continue to play first class cricket."
Waugh said he was "a bit emotional" when told he had been dropped from the squad after a long batting slump, but added, "I've had a great career so why worry? It's got to come to an end and there are a lot of people worse off than me."
Waugh's last test appearance was earlier this month against Pakistan.
He contributed just 80 runs to the 3-0 series win.
Waugh was replaced on the team by South Australian batsman Darren Lehmann for the opening match with England in Brisbane beginning November 7th.