Retirement from international cricket after a 13-year career: Brett Lee revealed 'a loss of desire to compete at the highest level which led to his decision to retire from international cricket' on Friday.

Lee calls it quits from international cricket but he has declared his intention to play in the Big Bash League and the Indian premiere league (IPL).

The 35 year old Australian fast bowler announced the retirement earlier in a tweet:

''It's official, I have retired from international cricket! Thanks for all your love and support. It's been an amazing 13 years.''

Lee told a media conference at Sydney Cricket Ground, "The last two or three nights I have thought about it a lot and I woke up this morning and thought this was the right day to do it."

"It's almost like there has been a huge weight lifted off my shoulders. I have been a bit anxious the last two days. It has been a hard few days."

Lee had been hopeful of playing in Australia's Twenty20 World Cup team in August and September in Sri Lanka. But after his latest injury setback, the pace-man decided 'enough was enough'.

His final appearance for Australia came in Durham last week, when he hurt his calf while bowling the third over of his 221st one-day international.  He also endured side strains, a broken toe, ankle issues, stress fractures to his back, persistent elbow problems and appendicitis.

Lee said while he had enjoyed his cricket career, he was tired of being away from home for long periods and was looking forward to a different phase of his life.

"It's been a fantastic career and I've loved every minute of it, but it's stage two of my life now," he said. "My holiday will be at home -- I'm sick of being away. That was on my mind as well -- time away from home."

Lee finished his one-day career with 380 wickets - one short of McGrath's Australian record haul of 381 - from 221 matches at an average of 23.36 and an economy rate of 4.76. Other than Pakistan speed-star Shoaib Akhtar, Lee was one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket and he was recorded bowling at 99.5mph in a 2003 World Cup match against Sri Lanka.