Warne and Mcgrath to retire after ashes

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Test cricket's most successful bowler Shane Warne and his equally illustrious compatriot Glenn McGrath are set to announce their retirement after this Ashes series. Warne, who is one wicket away from becoming the first bowler ever to claim 700 scalps but has not been very successful against India, is to announce his retirement on Thursday. And McGrath is expected to make a similar announcement after the fifth and final Test in Sydney (January 2-6), Australian broadcasters Channel Nine reported on Wednesday. Their decision is bound to have an impact on world cricket given their stature and record as the most successful spinner and seamer. The 37-year-old Warne in fact heads the all-time highest wicket-takers' list with 699 scalps while McGrath, 36, is third with 555. While the leg-spinner had hinted at Perth, venue of the third Ashes Test, that he may quit the game, the decision of McGrath has come as a surprise since he was expected to play in the World Cup in March-April next year. Their retirement will come on the heels of Damien Martyn quitting the game last week. And the move could also force the likes of Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer and Adam Gilchrist -- all of whom are 35 or above -- to rethink their careers.