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Home  » Cricket » Aus Clarke to hang his boots after final Ashes Test

Aus Clarke to hang his boots after final Ashes Test

Last updated on: August 08, 2015 18:09 IST
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 Australia's Michael Clarke on the balcony before play

Australia's Michael Clarke on the balcony before play. Photograph: Philip Brown/Reuters

Australia captain Michael Clarke announced his retirement from Test cricket on Saturday.

"The Test at the Oval will be my last," Clarke said in an interview to Sky Sports after the match.

"I want to play the last test at The Oval and give it one more crack. The time is right," the 34-year-old said.

"You never want to walk away. My performances over the past 12 months have not been acceptable to me.

"Test cricket is about the Ashes. We tried our best, I certainly tried my best but we got outplayed."

Clarke was speaking after England won the fourth test at Trent Bridge by an innings and 78 runs to regain the Ashes.

Kyly Clarke, wife of Australia's Michael Clarke cries during his retirement speech at the end of the Test at Trent Bridge 

Kyly Clarke, wife of Australia's Michael Clarke cries during his retirement speech at the end of the Test at Trent Bridge. Photograph: Philip Brown/Reuters

Clarke revealed that he made the decision on Friday evening after a chat with his wife Kyly Clarke and one of his best mates and Australian legend Shane Warne.

"I felt my performances weren't as good as I wanted them to be," he said.

"The decision is never easy. I started playing this great game at six years of age. I'm 34. I wish I could play for another 30 years."

Clarke has played 114 Tests and scored over 8,000 runs, including 28 centuries.

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