Sydney: Australian captain Steve Waugh today (Nov 26) announced his retirement from international cricket at the end of the upcoming Test series against India.

"My present form and fitness suggests I could play on but all good things must come to an end and I believe Sydney is the perfect place. I want to leave the game on a high and I just think the time is right now," Waugh told a press conference at the Sydney Cricket Ground this morning.

The 38-year-old veteran, who had made his debut in international cricket in 1985-86 against India will end his distinguished career against the same country, should he be selected for the four Test-match series starting on December 4 at Brisbane.

"The upcoming Sydney Test will be my last for Australia should I be selected to play," he said.

"There is that element of sadness," Waugh said. "But the overwhelming emotion for me is there is a lot more to do in life and I am looking forward to it."

There was no immediate announcement on a successor but Waugh said he believes Ricky Ponting, captain of Australia's one-day side, is his most likely successor as Test captain.

"The obvious choice is Ricky Ponting," Waugh said. "He has done a great job with the one-day side. He has been groomed to take over."

Waugh has played 164 tests amassing 10,660 runs at an average of 51.25 including 32 centuries, putting him second on the all-time list of century makers behind Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar's 34 and three ahead of Sir Don Bradman.

Waugh has led Australia 53 times and won 40 of his tests as captain, losing eight and having only five draws.

Waugh's highest test score was 200 against the West Indies at Sabina Park in April 1995.

PTI