Australian bowler Brett Lee will say goodbye to professional cricket for good at the conclusion of the current Big Bash League campaign.
The veteran fast bowler is calling quits on a 20-year career, announcing retirement from all forms of cricket following his latest Twenty20 stint with the Sydney Sixers.
“After this year, there won’t be any more cricket,” Lee said at a press conference on Thursday.
“I’m excited, I’m emotional, I’m happy, but I’m certainly not worried because I know that I’ve made the right call.”
Lee ended a 76-match Test career in 2008 before finally pulling the plug on his short form international career two years ago. Australia’s equal leading all-time wicket-taker (380) at the one day international level along Glenn McGrath, Lee has been a key figure for the Sixers across four seasons, taking 31 wickets during the spell.
“It’s been an amazing and emotional 20 years and I’ve enjoyed every single moment of it,” the 38-year-old said.
“I didn’t bother to do the math on it, but it’s a lot of ice baths, a lot of training sessions, a lot of cricket balls bowled, there’s a lot of flights. But there’s also been a lot of fun.”
Next week’s Sydney derby against the Thunder at the SCG could be Lee’s final outing depending on outcomes of other round 7 and 8 matches.The Sixers currently hold a two-point advantage over the Melbourne Stars, Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Renegades for third spot on the BBL table.
“I knew before the season started that this was going to be my last season,” he added. “I really want to enjoy this year and I’ve certainly had a lot more fun in the last six weeks than I’ve ever had in my life and that’s because I haven’t put any pressure on myself.”
Photo: Brendon Thorne-CA/Getty Images.
