 Jane McGrath has already had to battle cancer on two occasions |
Glenn McGrath has pulled out of the finals of the one-day VB Series to spend time with his wife Jane, who has suffered a recurrence of cancer. The Australian fast bowler, 35, made the decision after missing the games on Friday and Sunday against South Africa.
A Cricket Australia statement said McGrath had told selectors he did not want to be considered.
The veteran star had earlier said he had no intention of retiring from international cricket.
McGrath made no announcement about his availability for Australia's upcoming tour of South Africa, for which the side leave from Sydney on 20 February.
Jane McGrath has previously been treated for breast cancer in 1997, and bone cancer in 2003.
National Selection Panel chairman Trevor Hohns said in the statement that Cricket Australia backed McGrath's decision.
"Glenn has decided that he needs to be with his family in the immediate future and we completely support that decision," Hohns said.
"Our thoughts are with Glenn and Jane at what is a very difficult time."
Australia have already qualified for the best-of-three finals series which start in Adelaide next Friday.
English-born and a former flight attendant, Jane Steele first met her future husband in 1995. The couple have two children.
They have formed the McGrath Foundation to raise funds to place more breast care nurses throughout the country.
After Australia beat South Africa in Melbourne on Friday, captain Ricky Ponting said: "Cricket just takes a back seat. However much time he needs he's got.
"He's said his intention is to keep playing, but we'll just have to see how things unfold over the next weeks."
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Glenn has decided that he needs to be with his family in the immediate future and we completely support that decision
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