Andrew Symonds retires from cricket

Andrew Symonds

(BBC) Former Australia all-rounder Andrew Symonds has announced his retirement from professional cricket.

Andrew Symonds

Symonds, 36, was contracted to play for the Mumbai Indians in the forthcoming Indian Premier League season.

The Birmingham-born cricketer, who played  26 Tests for Australia, terminated the deal for family reasons.

“Effective immediately, I am retiring from all forms of professional cricket,” said the former English county player.

He added: “Mumbai Indians and the IPL have been very supportive, but the arrival of my first child is a priority.”

It has brought to an end a career marked by big hitting in the limited overs game. He played a key role in the victorious Cricket World Cup campaigns of 2003 and 2007.