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Aussie Bowler Ryan Harris Forced To Retire

Aussie Bowler Ryan Harris Forced To Retire

Injury has forced Australian bowler Ryan Harris to retire from cricket with immediate effect. He will be replaced in the Ashes squad by Pat Cummins.

The 35-year-old seamer, who has played in 27 Test matches, was due to play for Australia in the Investec Ashes series this month, but will now not feature - his place in the squad is taken by New South Wales paceman Cummins.

"Given the news I received yesterday (about his injured knee), 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."

Harris was left out of Australia's two-Test tour to the West Indies in January and had been due to play in the warm-up game at Essex this week but was sent for scans after the injury was aggravated after the recent four-day match against Kent.

They showed more scarring to his problematic right knee and the diagnosis for the player is immediate retirement.

Australia coach Darren Lehmann paid tribute to his bowler's professionalism.

"Ryan was one of the most talented players I had ever seen," said Lehmann, who had indicated Harris was on the fringes of selection for the first Ashes Test in Cardiff, where veteran Mitchell Johnson is expected to support Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazelwood.

"Ryan always gave it his all for his country and he epitomises everything the baggy green stands for.

"His never-say-die attitude was his signature as he left absolutely nothing on the field each time he played and I think that is something for which he should be incredibly proud. We wish him all the best in whatever he decides to do next."

Cricket Australia chairman Wally Edwards added the organisations thanks to Harris on an outstanding career and burning desire to succeed.

Edwards added: "What made Ryan a special player is that he was there for his team when it mattered most. Lionhearted effort after lionhearted effort consistently put Australia in winning positions.

"He will be missed from the international scene but we look forward to him remaining involved with the game in some way."