Sify

Sydney, jan 29: Australia fast bowler Shaun Tait announced he was quitting cricket on Tuesday, citing emotional and physical exhaustion.

The 24-year-old said he was taking an indefinite break from the game because he had lost his motivation for playing.

"A break from professional cricket will hopefully give me a clear mind and a chance for my body to rest and recover," Tait said in a statement.

"My love and enjoyment of the game is struggling due to these issues and if I continue to go on, it will be unfair on my team mates and support staff of both the Australian and South Australian cricket teams - and most importantly my family and close friends."

Tait is one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket but has struggled to cement a place in the Australian Test team, making just three appearances in his career.

He has had more success with one-day cricket and was a key member of the Australian side that won last year's World Cup in the West Indies.