Kumble calls it quits from one-dayers

Bangalore, Mar 30 (UNI) Ace leggie Anil Kumble, who had scripted many a victories for the country, today retired from one-day internationals (ODI) after a chequered career, spanning 17 years.

Leading wicket taker for India in both the forms of cricket, Kumble had taken 337 wickets in 271 ODIs, besides claiming 547 Test victims from 113 matches.

''I would have liked to end my one day career on a high note, but it did not happen...it is not possible to have a fairytale ending every time,'' he told a crowded press conference at the Karnataka State Cricket Association office here.

He said he had thought of giving up one-day cricket four years ago.

Though the 36-year-old veteran had declared to fellow mates his intention to retire before the team left for India from Port of Spain after Team India's ignominous exit from the World Cup in the opening round itself, Kumble formally announced the decision only today.

He had already said the current World Cup, his fourth appearance in the showpiece event, would be his last.

Kumble, however, would continue to be available for the country for Tests.

''I still have some cricket left in me ... I would continue to play for the country in Test cricket,'' he said.

Kumble, who made his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in April 1990 at Sharhaj, had not been an automatic selection in the shorter version of the game in recent times and he played in just one of India's three games at the World Cup -- against minnows Bermuda, taking three for 38.

Kumble was best known for scalping all ten wickets in a Test innings against Pakistan in New Delhi in 1999, becoming only the second bowler to achieve the feat after Englishman Jim Laker.

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