Injuries forced Ryano to retire

Australia fast bowler Ryan Harris' battered right knee has finally given out on him, ending his days in the baggy green less than a week before the first Test of the Investec Ashes, which he had hoped would be the capstone on his international career.

In a grievous blow to Australia's plans for their attempt to defeat England on their home soil for the first time since 2001, two sets of scans during the tour match against Essex confirmed that Harris would be unable to get himself right in time to take part in this series.

As a result, he has decided to retire from the game, having set this tour as the final frontier after being ruled out of last summer's World Cup campaign in order to give himself the best chance to play against England. Harris' final international match was the Sydney Test against India in January.

"Given the news I received yesterday, and after talking it over with my family, I know now is the right is the time to step away from cricket," Harris said. "I'm pretty lucky, I have had a wonderful career and nothing made me prouder than pulling on the baggy green.

"I played 27 more Tests than I ever thought I would and I have relished every single moment of them. I couldn't have played with a better bunch of blokes and walking away from the team and our support staff is probably the hardest thing to stomach right now. This is a very special team and I know they will do Australia proud in this Ashes series. I know I will certainly be watching every ball.

"I am lucky enough to have a wonderful family who have supported me through the ups and downs of my career and I'm looking forward to the next chapter of my life with them and spending time with my new son Carter. Whatever is next for me, and I don't know what that is right now, I know it will still involve cricket as that is what I love and I want to be able to give back to the game that has given me so much."

Cricket Australia has named Pat Cummins as Harris' replacement on tour. Cummins was to take part in the Australia A tour of India but will now fly from Sydney to join the Australians ahead of the Cardiff Test. Harris will not fly home immediately but remain with the team as a source of advice to the younger bowlers.

Ryan Harris an Aussie that you can almost like - didnt seem to be as much of a nut as some of his bowling colleagues

Cheerio to Ryan Harris, the only seam bowler to take 100 Test wickets having made his debut after the age of 30.

What a shame !!!  Rhyno was a late starter but an absolute work horse, who gave 110% of himself and a likeable fellow !!  ......big disappointment for AUS going into The Ashes

Ryan Harris IMO was Australia's most dangerous threat in English conditions

Rhyno bones were too ole and brittle ...

Good Luck for the future ....

OZ should look for some 19 ~ 21 year old Debutants...

Fantastic bowler - never gave an inch. Doubt it will help England as the Australians have strength in depth

Ryan Harris's absence is a real blow for Australia, he was a bowler who got things done for them in tests.

Of bowlers that have taken at least 100 Test match wickets, Harris has 15th lowest strike rate (50.7).

His numbers are eerily similar to Colin Croft's. Both played 27 Tests; Croft took 125 wickets at an average of 23.30 with a strike rate of 49.3. Harris took 113 wickets at an average of 23.52 with a strike rate of 50.7.

Croft as a 30 year ole debutant wouldda been over the hill  :-[