MANCHESTER (England), Aug 12: Stuart Law, the former Australian batsman and now a Lancashire professional, is considering retirement from first-class cricket, claiming that it is getting tougher to cope with the pressures of playing county cricket. Law, whose contract with Lancashire ends this season, was guarded about seeking an extension.

“It's (retirement) up in the air,” Law told BBC Sport. “There's a bit of water to pass under the bridge between now and then. After a day's play, the body's in bits, rigor mortis sets in. It's getting harder and harder.” Law's prolific county career has lasted 11 years, first with Essex and then with Lancashire. His Test career lasted just a solitary match, against Sri Lanka in Perth in 1995, though he was a regular in the one-day side. He last played for Australia in 1999 and has since acquired British citizenship.

Law, 38, showed no signs of wear and tear when scoring 206 in Lancashire's recent innings victory against Yorkshire at Headingley but he said he would take his time before deciding on his future, given that his reflexes were still good.

“I'm seeing the ball better than I've ever done before, maybe because there's no pressure to forge a career,” he said. “Now it's about enjoying yourself and having a good time. Hopefully I won't be rushed into a decision. It'd be nice to sit back, reflect and see where I am.”

Law is also among the overseas players being considered for the Indian Cricket League. With the Twenty20 league set to commence later this year, Law said he would definitely consider the offer as it presented an opportunity to play alongside big names like Brian Lara.—Agencies