The rumours are true - test cricket champion Shane Warne has announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket, at the end of the ashes series in Melbourne.
Mr Warne, who started his international career in 1992, told reporters at a press conference that while he would honour his contract with the Hampshire county side, his days of playing with Australia were over.
"I feel I've earned the right to go out on my own terms," he said.
"People used to say to me 'you'll know when your time's up', and now I know exactly what they mean."
Mr Warne told reporters the team had come first, but after Australia won the Ashes in Perth this week, he felt it was the most appropriate time to make the announcement.
"While the team's successful, it's a good time to go out on top," he said.
Mr Warne's Hampshire contract lasts for two more years.
