March 01, 2008	Saturday	Safar 22, 1429

ADELAIDE, Feb 29: Former Australian fast-bowler Jason Gillespie announced his retirement from first-class cricket on Friday.

The 32-year-old paceman announced his decision during South Australia’s Pura Cup match against Queensland.

Gillespie, Australia’s sixth-highest Test wicket taker, has turned his back on the domestic game to concentrate on his family and the rebel Twenty20 Indian Cricket League (ICL), for which he has signed for three years. He said it was a tough decision, but one he was comfortable with.

“I’m very excited – it (ICL) certainly is a change, but it’s something I’m very much looking forward to,” he stated.

Gillespie took 259 wickets in 71 Tests at 26.13, with best figures of 9-80. In his last Test, against Bangladesh, he made an unbeaten 201 as a night watchman.

He also played 97 One-day Internationals, for 142 wickets at 25.42.—AFP