MICHAEL HUSSEY has made the shocking decision to retire from international cricket.

Hussey will play his final Test against Sri Lanka at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3. He will also play the one-day international series against Sri Lanka and the West Indies.

Hussey told Cricket Australia his desire to spend more time with his family was his primary motivation for announcing his retirement.

Hussey, 37, has scored 6183 runs at 51.52 from 78 Tests. He has also represented Australia in 185 one-day internationals and 38 Twenty20 internationals.

Usman Khawaja is likely to replace Hussey in the Test batting line-up.

Hussey was a central plank in Australia’s plans for the forthcoming tour of India and the 10 Ashes Tests to be contested over the next 12 months.

His retirement means Australia will field a new-look top order that includes Phil Hughes, who replaced Ricky Ponting after he too retired after the third Test against South Africa earlier this summer.

Courtesy: ADELAIDE NOW