Ganguly to retire

India batsman Sourav Ganguly has revealed he will retire from international cricket after the upcoming Border-Gavaskar series against Australia.

Ganguly was named in a 15-man squad for the first two Tests despite intense speculation over his future.

Reports suggested Ganguly considered quitting cricket after being overlooked for a recent domestic trial match.

And although that did not prove to be the case, he has now confirmed the upcoming Test series with Australia will be his last.

"This is going to be my last series," the 36-year-old said. "I've decided to quit. I have already told my team-mates that this would be my last series.

"Hopefully I will go on a winning note."

Ganguly has scored 6,888 runs and hit 15 centuries in 109 Tests for India. He led the country as captain in 49 Tests, winning 21 of those.

The first Test starts in Bangalore on October 9, while the second gets under way in Mohali on October 17.

Ganguly also warned his India team-mates against complacency after watching Australia struggle in the final warm-up match before the Test series.

Veterans Sourav Ganguly and Sachin Tendulkar are set to play together for India for the last time against Australia

Buy this photo

The tourists failed to fire with both the ball and the bat in the drawn match with the Yuvraj Singh-led Board President's XI, which finished on Sunday.

The President's XI amassed 371 runs on the opening day of the four-day match before a desperate last-wicket stand of 96 featuring Michael Hussey, who finished unbeaten on 126, and number 11 Stuart Clark helped the tourists avoid the follow-on.

But Ganguly said he expected Australia to play their usual brand of hard cricket when the first Test gets under way on Thursday.

"It's still a fantastic side," he said of Ponting's team.

"I don't think we should get excited by the result of the practice match.

"They'll be a completely different kettle of fish once the Tests start.

"They are all fantastic players and you can't make a plan for just one of them.

"You have to be ready for anything."

Ganguly said he was not surprised by the inclusion of spinner Cameron White, who replaced the injured Bryce McGain.

"White can bat a bit as well and he also has the experience of playing in India,” added Ganguly.

“But pace surely is their strength, and they'll go in with four pace bowlers, which will include Shane Watson."

Ganguly’s selection in the team was shrouded in controversy and the 36-year-old left-hander admits he will be under pressure.

"As long as I'm wearing the India shirt, I know the pressure will be on me,” he said.

"And let me tell you, all those players who have been wearing this shirt for a long time know that.

"We're here to do that and nothing else matters.

"At the end of the day all that counts are the number of runs that are on the board."