No big surprise to my mind.

I've been predicting this retirement since the start of the summer. He hasn't 'been there' mentally - from his body language in the test series and the one dayers, he has looked mentally spent.

I'm guessing that Bracewell had a chat to Astle today or yesterday and said that he was dropped for the next game and his position was being brought into question from his poor top order performances. Astle then threw in the towel.

A big shame as he's been one of those Kiwi players who don't have the best of test records, but have been integral to every success of theirs which he's played in. He's a player that Kiwis will remember up there with Jeff Crowe, Ken Rutherford and the like. I'm sure a few Englanders will remember his blistering Christchurch double-hundred rather fondly.

On another note, Lou Vincent should really have been out there in Australia already. His presence in the opening slot should strengthen the top order considerably.

On another note - the WAT Posting Milestones should probably be updated to include Nathan Astle, Shane Warne, Justin Langer and Glenn McGrath.... Got myself a little job there, eh?