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Australia great Brett Lee today announced his retirement and named the 2005 Ashes series as his favourite memory in a 20-year career.
The 38-year-old, who quit international cricket in 2012, is playing for the Sydney 6ers and will bow out when the T20 Big Bash League ends this month.
Asked for his favourite moment, Lee picked the series in England 10 years ago. One of the most memorable images of that contest was Andrew Flintoff consoling Lee at Edgbaston after England clinched a dramatic two-run win in the Second Test.
“My favourite Test series has got to be the Ashes ’05,” he said. “What that did for cricket and for the people involved was incredible. I had Flintoff bowling at 95mph and two minutes later after they won we had a cold beer, a chat and a laugh. That’s what sport is about.”
Lee is Australia’s joint-highest wicket-taker in one-day internationals, joining Glenn McGrath on 380 scalps. He also picked up 310 wickets in 76 Tests.
“I’m excited and emotional, certainly happy that I’ve made the right decision,” he said.
