Warne Out - End of an Era

Shane Warne is retiring from international cricket. This is a big story, as he's been, and could have continued to be, a major force in the sport of cricket. It also puts the World Cup in play, though the Aussies managed to win the last one without him (and they have to be odds-on favorites to do it again).

He will play 2 more years of county cricket for Hampshire.

To me the decision seems premature, but I guess he's accomplished everything he wanted to, and now he can spend more time with his family (and mistresses?).

It's interesting that he would have retired in 2005 if Australia hadn't lost the Ashes. It really looks like losing the Ashes last year was the best thing that could have happened to Australian cricket at that time.