Clarke to quit ODIs after WC final

Sydney: Sunday’s World Cup final will be the last for Michael Clarke as the Australian skipper has announced retirement. Clarke made the announcement on Saturday at a press conference, telling reporters he hoped retiring from the 50-over game would potentially prolong his Test career.

“I just want everyone to know that tomorrow (Sunday) will be my last ODI game for Australia,” Clarke said on Saturday.

Clarke first broke the news to Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland, chief selector Rod Marsh and national coach Darren Lehmann.

Clarke still intends to keep playing Tests, having already played 108 matches with 8,432 runs and a highest score of 329 not out.

The 33-year-old has been dogged by injuries in recent years and reportedly came close to retirement after a tumultuous summer that frequently saw him sidelined.

“I’m hopeful it will prolong my Test career as well,” Clarke said of his decision. That’s a priority for me.”

“I think it’s the right time for me and the Australian cricket team. I don’t think it’s realistic that I’ll be fit and healthy and available to play in the next World Cup (in 2019).

“I think I leave the one-day game for the Australian team in a better place than when I took over the captaincy.”

Before the start of the World Cup the Aussie skipper insisted he had no plans to retire at the end of the tournament. “It’s funny, a lot of people have said or thought, ‘Michael is going to retire at the end of this World Cup’,” Clarke said.

“I’m 33 years of age; look at someone like Brad Haddin, who is 37 and still loving his cricket and contributing to the team. I don’t see any reason why I can’t play in the next World Cup.”

Clarke said he only reached a final decision to leave “about 48 hours ago”, when he returned from the semi-final win over India in Sydney.

“I think I got back to my house at about 12.30. (Wife) Kyly was in bed and that’s when I spoke to her about it,” he said adding, “I know I’ve made the right decision.”

Clarke is Australia’s fourth-highest ODI run-scorer of all-time, having hit 7,909 runs at an average of 44.42 and strike rate of 78.81.