Ricky Ponting retires from Test cricket

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting Thursday called time on his Test career, announcing this week's clash against South Africa in Perth will be his last. "A few hours ago I let the team know that this upcoming Test will be my last," he said at a hastily-called press conference, adding
that he will continue to play for Tasmania in the domestic competition this summer.

Ponting, who turns 38 next month, has failed in three innings against the Proteas during draws in Brisbane and Adelaide and pressure has been building on the 167-Test veteran ahead of Friday's series decider in Perth.

He will equal Steve Waugh's mark of 168 Tests in the upcoming match -- the most in the history of Australian cricket.

The Tasmanian, who has 13,336 Test runs to his name, including 41 centuries with only Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar scoring more, said it was time to call it a day.

"Over the last couple of weeks my level of performance hasn't been good enough," he said.

"My passion and love for the game hasn't changed but at the end of the day (the decision) was based on my results.

"In this series so far they have not been up to the level required of batsmen and players in the Australian team.

"I'm glad I have got the opportunity to finish on my terms."

"Decision to retire was taken my me, not by selectors," said Ricky Ponting after announcing his retirement.

The Australian cricker has scored 13,366 Test runs at an average of 52.21.

Ponting was dropped from the one-day team but has remained in the Test side as a specialist batsman with disappointing results.

Test career
Matches: 167
Innings: 285
Runs: 13366
Highest score: 257
Average: 52.21
50s: 62
100s: 41

ODI career
Matches: 375
Runs: 13704
Highest score: 164
Average: 42.03
50s: 82
100s: 30