PERTH, Dec 8: Australia's bid to regain the Ashes had a setback on Friday by the retirement of senior batsman Damien Martyn, six days before the third Test against England.

Martyn, 35, informed Cricket Australia (CA) Chief Executive James Sutherland of his decision to quit from all international and first-class cricket, shortly before the announcement of Australia's third Test squad.

Martyn's sudden announcement ended a 67-Test career stretching back to 1992 and was unexpected by Australia, who lead the Ashes 2-0. Although his decision to retire before he was dropped from Australia's aging team was applauded by former Australian cricket captains, including Ian Chappell.

Martyn, who scored 4,406 runs in Tests, including 13 centuries, said he no longer felt 100 percent committed to his sport. ''I feel therefore, it's time for me to move aside,'' he said. ''I've enjoyed everything the game has given me. I have gained from it more than I could ever have imagined.''

Martyn, who had scored only 35 runs in his first three innings in the Ashes series, thanked his Australian teammates for their support and admitted the timing of his retirement might cost him their friendship. ''I said to myself when I made this decision in the last 48 hours that I may lose friends in doing what I'm doing,'' he said. ''But I also said to myself that if I stayed doing what I was doing I may equally lose respect for myself and the friendship of those around me who are entitled to expect from me more than 100 percent.''

Australia captain Ricky Ponting said he and other Australian team members would miss Martyn's presence and experience. ''Martyn is one of the world's most unsung players in both forms of the game and I don't think it is really understood how good a player he actually is,'' Ponting said.

Martyn had a checkered Test career since making his debut against the West Indies in 1992.—AP