Fleming retires to take up coaching role

Former Australian seamer Damien Fleming has announced his retirement to enable him to take up a coaching role at the Australian Cricket Academy in Adelaide.

Fleming, 33, agreed to a two-year contract at the academy, replacing Wayne Phillips who was earlier this month appointed coach of South Australia. Fleming will join the existing team of Bennett King (head coach) and fellow senior coaches John Harmer and David Moore.

Fleming said he agonised over his decision to retire after 15 years of playing first-class and international cricket. "It definitely wasn't a black and white decision," he explained. "I have had a week to wrestle over it, but it's just a fantastic opportunity to get into coaching which I have had my mind on for a couple of years."

Fleming played his final first-class game last November before a shoulder injury brought his season to a premature end. He played in 20 Tests between 1994-95 and 2000-01, taking 75 wickets at 25.89. He also played in 88 one-day internationals.