'Modern great' Kumble retires

India captain Anil Kumble brings an end to glittering career

Kumble, 38, was part of the golden triangle of spinners who did so much to define Test cricket over the last two decades.

He follows Australia’s Shane Warne into international retirement, leaving Sri Lanka’s Muttiah Muralitharan unrivalled now as the senior bowler in the world game.

At the post-match presentation following the drawn third Test in Delhi, Kumble explained that he had been planning to retire at the end of India’s current series against Australia, but had been forced to bring the announcement forward by the hand injury he suffered in the field on Friday.

“I knew I wouldn't be 100 per cent for the next Test,” he said, in reference to the Nagpur match which starts on Thursday, “and I didn't want to let the team down.”

Kumble bowled four overs at the end of a match which Australia rallied superbly to save. Faced with a huge Indian first-innings total of 613 for seven declared, the Aussies proved their batting remains as powerful as ever by battling to 577 all out in reply. From that moment on, a draw seemed almost inevitable.

The injury to Kumble, which kept him off the field for an important part of the third day, was a setback to India’s chances of victory. But a draw was still a good result for the home side, who now lead the series 1-0 with only one Test to play.

After the match, the Australian players paid tribute to Kumble – an intensely dedicated but always sporting cricketer who bowled them to defeat several times in Tests.

“He's a great competitor,” said Ricky Ponting. “Every single Australia player I've spoken to has always been delighted with the way he plays the game."

Asked if his team-mates had been surprised by the announcement, Kumble replied: "Yes, they were, but the response I got makes me proud to have shared the dressing room with such great players.

"It has been a great journey and I would like to thank all the supporters who have come here.

"Delhi has always been a special place for me and it is fitting to finish here. I'll now be able to spend more time with my wife and kids."