Ponting announces retirement from Tests, declares it's all over

Australia's highest Test run-scorer Ricky Ponting has announced he will retire from Test cricket. The 38-year-old former Australia captain said the third Test against South Africa starting Friday will be his last. VOTE: Is Ponting the greatest batsman after Bradman? | Ponting to retire from Test cricket | A wonderful journey | They say

Ricky Ponting, who on Thursday called an end to a glittering Test match career, is Australia's all-time leading Test batsman and most successful captain.

'Punter' Ponting turns 38 next month and admits time has caught up with him.

He stumbled badly in his last three innings against South Africa during recent draws in Brisbane and Adelaide.

There were calls for the 167-Test veteran to step down ahead of Friday's series decider in Perth, which will be his final Test.

Ponting will go out in style at the WACA, equalling Steve Waugh's mark of 168 Test matches -- the most in the history of Australian cricket.

The Tasmanian -- who can boast 41 centuries, with only Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar scoring more -- said he knew the time had come.

"Over the last couple of weeks my level of performance hasn't been good enough," he admitted.

"My passion and love for the game hasn't changed but at the end of the day (the decision) was based on my results.

"I'm glad I have got the opportunity to finish on my terms."

Ponting has won more Tests as captain with 48 than any other Australian and has an astonishing success rate of almost 72 percent as the country's one-day leader, winning 164 of his 228 games.

Australian Test cricketer Ricky Ponting announces his retirement during a press conference on the eve of the third cricket Test between South Africa and Australia in Perth. AFP