LONDON, Dec 22: Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne revealed on Friday that England legend Ian Botham was among those who had tried to talk him out of retiring. Warne, 37, announced Thursday he will quit international cricket after the final Test against England following Australia's Ashes-winning victory in Perth.

“A few people tried to talk me out of it. Ian Botham was one. He told me I'm still at the top of my game, that I'm the greatest cricketer that ever lived and that people in England would love to see me play in the Ashes series in 2009,” Warne wrote in his column in The Times.

“Ricky Ponting (Australia captain), whom I told after we'd won in Perth, was a bit shocked but said he respected my decision. I had actually had a chat with him about it before the Brisbane Test so he already had an inkling about my intentions.

“I also shared a beer with Ian Chappell (former Australia captain), whose opinion I greatly respect. He said it was better to be asked 'why are you' rather than 'why don't you'.”Warne has no regrets about his decision. “I'm happy. It's good to be leaving Australian cricket in such a healthy state.

“As my final Melbourne Test gets closer, it's amazing how it's all worked out, with me needing just the one more wicket for 700 in Tests.

“It'll be a chance for me to say thank you to the Victorian cricketing public who've given me such great support over the years.

“It was at the MCG 14 years ago that I finally knew I belonged in Test cricket when I took seven for 52 to help us beat the West Indies. Since then, it's been a wonderful ride - I really could not have scripted it any better.” —AFP