Cricket: Taylor retires from Test arena

MARK TAYLOR, Australia's captain, announced his retirement from Test cricket this morning after playing 104 matches, 50 of them as captain.

The 34-year-old, who four months ago equalled Sir Donald Bradman's Australian record innings score by making an unbeaten 334 against Pakistan in Peshawar, had captained Australia with distinction since 1994, including winning three Ashes series. His decision means his last Test was the victory over England at the Sydney Cricket Ground on 6 January.

Taylor, named Australian of the Year last week, ignored a call from the Australian Cricket Board to stay on for the tour of the West Indies, starting 22 February. He said initially he would make himself available for that tour, but he then reconsidered his position.

Steve Waugh, who leads Australia's one-day side, is considered Taylor's likely successor as Test captain.