Australian pacer Ben Hilfenhaus retires from first-class cricket

New Delhi: Former Australian speedster Ben Hilfenhaus on Wednesday announced his retirement from first-class cricket.

However, Tasmania-born cricketer insisted that he will continue to turn out for Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League Twenty20 competition.

He made it clear that he took the decision because his body was not able to perform at the level he would like in four-day cricket anymore, Sport24 reported.

Hilfenhaus, 32, played 27 Tests for Australia and scalped 99 wickets.

Last year, a hip injury forced him to end his stint with England county club Nottinghamshire. Besides, he played just a solitary game for Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield this season.

The pacer was emotional while announcing his retirement from the longer form of cricket.

"I'm just going to focus on the shorter form of the game and hopefully this decision will allow me to play for a few more years to come," said Hilfenhaus.