Michael Clarke announces retirement from one day international cricket

Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke has announced tomorrow’s World Cup final will be his last one-day international match.

The Australian skipper made the announcement today at a press conference, telling reporters he hoped retiring from the 50-over game would potentially prolong his Test career.

He will lead the Australian side against New Zealand in tomorrow’s World Cup final match.

Clarke still intends to keep playing Tests, having already played 108 matches with 8,432 runs and a highest score of 329 not out.

The 33-year-old has been dogged by injuries in recent years and reportedly came close to retirement after a tumultuous summer that frequently saw him sidelined.

"I think it's the right time for me and the Australian cricket team," he said.

"I'm hopeful it will prolong my Test career and that's a priority for me.

"I don't feel bad about saying I feel that Test cricket is the toughest part of our game."

Clarke has played 244 one-day internationals, scoring 7,907 runs with a highest score of 130.

Cricket.com.au has tipped vice-captain Steve Smith to take over the captaincy full-time after the 25-year-old made his ODI captaincy debut against England in Hobart in January.

Clarke has suggested he only reached a final decision to leave "about 48 hours ago", when he returned from the semi-final win over India in Sydney.

"I think I got back to my house at about 12.30. (Wife) Kyly was in bed and that's when I spoke to her about it," he said.

"I know I've made the right decision.

Clarke said once he realised he wouldn't be playing in the 2019 World Cup it was an easy decision.

"There's no doubt I could keep playing for the next couple of years," he said.

With wires