Australia's Michael Kasprowicz announces retirement

SYDNEY: Former Australia pace bowler Michael Kasprowicz announced his retirement on Thursday, ending a professional career spanning nearly two decades.

Kasprowicz, who turns 36 on Sunday, made his first-class debut in 1989-90 while he was still in high school and made his test debut in 1995.

He played 38 tests for Australia, capturing 113 wickets at an average of 32.88 and took his best figures of 7-36 against England in the 1997 Ashes test at the Oval.

Kasprowicz also figured in a memorable incident during the 2005 Ashes series when he shared a 59-run partnership with Brett Lee at Edgbaston.

Australia lost the match by two runs when Kasprowicz was given out to a contentious catch behind that allowed England to level the series at 1-1.

Kasprowicz also played 43 one-day internationals but has been unable to break into the test or one-day team for two years because of persistent injuries.