Glenn Mcgrath to retire after World Cup…

AUSTRALIA paceman Glenn McGrath has ended days of intense speculation by confirming he will retire after the 2007 Cricket World Cup.

The Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground and McGrath's home-town game at Sydney Cricket Ground consequently will see the fast bowler bow out alongside leg-spinning genius Shane Warne.

McGrath's announcement, which he said had been on his mind only for "the last few games", came two days after Warne confirmed his imminent retirement.

"The plan we came up with was for Shane to announce it before the Melbourne game and I was going to announce it before Sydney," McGrath said.

"(But) with the scrutiny and the hearsay and what's happened mainly in the last few days, I wanted to get it out in the open, get it over and done with, basically, so we could get back and concentrate on the last two Tests.

"For me personally, going through the Test and trying to deny I'm retiring without lying, it's a bit tough - I feel I've always been quite honest."

McGrath also admitted he had spoken to some teammates about wanting to retire.

His announcement was a lower-profile event than Warne's, which was held in front of a media throng at the MCC dining room.

By contrast, McGrath held his press conference in the workmanlike surroundings of the MCG indoor nets.

McGrath said his retirement was unrelated to wife Jane, who continues to battle breast cancer.

"In respect to Jane, her health has nothing to do with the decision that I've made here today, or over the last few weeks," he said.

But McGrath said he wanted to spend more time with Jane and their children, James and Holly.

McGrath is the most prolific Test paceman in history with 555 wickets.