Less than a week before the start of the Ashes, Australia spearhead Ryan Harris has retired from all forms of cricket.

Another knee problem forced the 35-year-old’s hand in a sad end to an outstanding but often injury-interrupted career.

Harris, who took 113 wickets in 27 Tests for Australia at a superb average of 23.52, underwent scans on his right knee in London this week after complaining of knee soreness.

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And the scans were not positive, with further damage to his knee ruling him out of the upcoming Ashes series.

That led to his retirement, a decision Harris – who will be replaced in Australia’s squad by Pat Cummins – said felt right.

“Given the news I received yesterday, and after talking it over with my family, I know now is the right is the time to step away from cricket,” Harris said.

“I’m pretty lucky, I have had a wonderful career and nothing made me prouder than pulling on the baggy green.

“I played 27 more Tests than I ever thought I would and I have relished every single moment of them.

“I couldn’t have played with a better bunch of blokes and walking away from the team and our support staff is probably the hardest thing to stomach right now.

“This is a very special team and I know they will do Australia proud in this Ashes series. I know I will certainly be watching every ball.

“I am lucky enough to have a wonderful family who have supported me through the ups and downs of my career and I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my life with them and spending time with my new son, Carter.

“Whatever is next for me, and I don’t know what that is right now, I know it will still involve cricket as that is what I love and I want to be able to give back to the game that has given me so much.”

Harris, a late improver, made his Test debut at the age of 30 against New Zealand in Wellington.

He was at his best against England, who he took 57 wickets against in 12 Tests.

That included 24 wickets in four Tests in England in 2013, when he was clearly Australia’s stand-out bowler.

But he will have no chance to add to his record in the United Kingdom after Saturday’s surprise announcement.

Harris also played 21 one-day internationals – in which he took 44 wickets – and three Twenty20 internationals for Australia.