Kumble retires as third Australia test drawn

By N.Ananthanarayanan

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India skipper Anil Kumble abruptly announced his retirement before the third test against Australia ended in a tame draw on Sunday.

The 38-year-old, test cricket's third most prolific bowler with 619 wickets and key to India's home domination for almost two decades, said he was quitting due to fitness issues.

Vangipurappu Laxman stroked 59 not out after scoring 200 not out in the first innings as India declared their second innings closed at 208 for five after tea, setting Australia an improbable target of 245 runs in 23 overs.

Australia were 31 for no loss in their second innings when the match was called off as a draw.

Wearing a faded blue India cap, Kumble was given a guard of honour by his team mates before entering his favourite ground to bowl for one last time before retirement.

The fans at the Ferozshah Kotla stadium gave him a standing ovation and he was chaired off by team mates at the end.

In 1999, Kumble took all 10 Pakistan second innings wickets at the venue to become only the second test bowler to achieve the feat and bowl the team to a series-levelling win.

Kumble's announcement overshadowed Australia's determined fightback in the test after India thrashed them by 320 runs in the previous game to take a 1-0 lead in the four-match series.