Srinath retired in 2002 before he was persuaded to return

Indian paceman Javagal Srinath has retired from international cricket.

The 34-year-old has been struggling with a knee injury.

He announced his retirement from Tests in June last year but was persuaded to return by captain Sourav Ganguly.

Srinath guided India to the World Cup final in March but his knee injury has prevented him from playing since.

He is India's highest one-day wicket-taker with 315 wickets.

Srinath made his Test debut against Australia in 1991 and has 236 Test scalps, which is the second best for an Indian paceman after Kapil Dev's 434.

India announce their squad for the Australia Test series on Thursday and Srinath had warned he would quit of he was not fully fit.

Javagal Srinath profile

He said on Tuesday: "It's time to say goodbye to the game that's given me immense pleasure.

"I'm happy that Indian fast bowling is in good health with the likes of Zaheer Khan and Ashish Nehra around."

The tour of Australia, starting on November 25 and lasting longer than two months, will include four Tests and a one-day tri-series also featuring Zimbabwe.

The first Test takes place in Brisbane and starts on 4 December.

India captain Sourav Ganguly paid tribute to Srinath.

He said: "Srinath served Indian cricket with distinction, it was a pleasure to have played alongside him.

"We respect his decision to call it a day, but I must thank him for giving me his wholehearted support."