Thanks Steve

I cannot help breaking my self-imposed moratorium to make note of this. Read An era has come to an end by Harish and read words from the man himself.

Some extracts:

Motivation must come from within and as soon as that inner flame is doused, the will to succeed and carry on has only one conclusion. For me it may be as simple as reading an inspirational story, hearing a favourite song, watching some cricket highlights or just having a game of backyard cricket with my son Austin, to get the juices flowing.

The thought of being able to achieve something new everyday, to believe you can improve and to test yourself, have always drawn me to the challenges that lie ahead.

My first emotion upon hearing my selection was panic - am I good enough? Will I be scared and intimidated by the press and notoriety? Can I really be successful?

When I pushed that single through the covers, it was just the greatest sensation, an overwhelming surge of satisfaction, contentment, tranquility and excitement all rolled into one.

When you come through adversity it seems to magnify the sense of accomplishment and heighten the celebrations.

I believe in many ways you can judge a player's worth to the side by how they overcome adversity. Attitude will always be the companion to this trait and without it there will be no longevity in the sport.

Throughout my career I have never needed any extra motivation to do well, because quite simply, all I ever aspired to was to make the most of my ability and never give in no matter the situation. If anything was ever needed to really get me going, it was someone writing me off, or telling me that I couldn't do it. Perhaps this is why I performed so well in Sydney, because the stakes were high and the pressure pretty intense, and as such I was on the edge, nervous but focused, just how I like it.

Sydney to me is the perfect place to retire for many reasons. It's one of the best venues in the world; it's been my home ground throughout my career; all my family and friends will be there; I will be playing against India, a team and country for which I have great admiration; my Indian friends will be able to be part of the occasion through the TV coverage; I am very fit and I am very much on top of my game. I've always wanted to finish on my own terms and right now I feel as if I'm in the best form of my career, and I can't think of a better word for anyone to say about me when I finish other than. "Why?"

I know the above is a redundant copy, but absolutely needed to relish it again.