Australian cricketer Brett Lee has announced the decision to quit test cricket on Wednesday. The announcement came after the player suffered many injuries during recent times.

"This is not the end of me. It's a cricket choice and it's a lifestyle choice," Lee said.

He further said "To me, Test cricket is my favourite part of the game, wearing the baggy green cap, but if I'm going to keep playing cricket for another few years, something had to give."

The player is the fourth most successful Test bowler of the country as he took 310 wickets in 76 Tests since1999. However, he has not been able to play since December 2008 due to a severe foot injury he suffered during a match against South Africa.

Since then the player has suffered from ankle and rib problems making him unable to play in the last year's Ashes series. Lee said he had been considering his decision for months. "It's been about a three- to four-month decision that I've made and finally I went with it," he said.

The player is known for his intimidating physique and pace. He was part of the strong Australian side which dominated the test rankings. Lee has a record of bowling the second fastest delivery on record at 99.9 miles per hour in
2003 second only to Pakistan's Shoaib Akhtar. He is currently 22nd on the all-time international Test bowlers' list.

Lee is expected to take part in the glitzy Twenty20 competition, Indian Premier League next month. He is believed to be waiting for the security clearance to participate in the tournament.

The chief of Cricket Australia, James Sutherland appreciated Lee's "fantastic" career and said he wished to see the layer back in the one-day and Twenty20 teams.

Meanwhile England all-rounder, Andrew Flintoff and New Zealand's Jacob Oram have also retired from the Test to focus on one days and Twenty20s.