Australia captain Michael Clarke will retire from one-day internationals following Sunday 's World Cup final against New Zealand . The 33-year-old made the surprise announcement at a press conference in Melbourne ahead of the match against the Black Caps . ' I think it 's the right time for me and the Australian cricket team , ' read a report on www.cricket.com.au , Cricket Australia 's official news outlet . Michael Clarke shakes hands with New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum ahead of Sunday 's final . The 33-year-old made the surprise announcement at a press conference on Saturday morning . ' I do n't think it 's reasonable to expect I 'll be fit and healthy and available for the next World Cup , so I think it 's the right time . ' Clarke has played 244 ODIs for his country since making his debut in 2003 , scoring 7907 runs at an average of 44.42 , and was made captain when Ricky Ponting stood down following the 2011 World Cup . ' I know I 've made the right decision , ' he said . ' I told my team-mates 10 minutes ago . I told the selectors and ( Cricket Australia boss ) James Sutherland about an hour ago . ' Shortly after Clarke made his announcement , Cricket Australia chief executive Sutherland released a statement thanking the batsman for his service . Clarke , who will continue to play at Test level , is pictured playing a shit in the nets ahead of Sunday 's match . Clarke , pictured with team-mate Shane Watson , will lead Australia against England in the Ashes later this year . 'Michael informed me and his team-mates of his decision earlier today , ' it read . 'We congratulate him on a wonderful career in one-day international cricket . 'From the time that he burst onto the scene as an exciting 21-year old way back in January 2003 , he was always destined for great things . 'While his decision comes as something of a surprise , Michael leaves one-day cricket on his own terms , aiming to finish on an absolute high , in front of a packed MCG as a possible World Cup-winning captain . That 's very special . 'Regardless of the result , he will leave the one-day international game as one our greats . We thank him for his wonderful contribution to one-day cricket and look forward to his continued leadership at Test level . ' Clarke appeared in good spirits as he prepared for his final one-day international match on Sunday . Clarke will lead Australia in England this summer as they look to defend the Ashes they won with a whitewash in 2014 and he admitted that a desire to prolong his Test career was behind his decision . 'That 's obviously a priority for me to continue to be successful in the Test format , ' he said . 'By walking away from one-day cricket it probably gives me my best opportunity . ' I do n't feel bad about saying I feel that Test cricket is the toughest part of our game . ' I love that challenge . I see it as the pinnacle . I feel like I 've still got a lot to offer the Australian Test team as captain . ' Clarke made his ODI debut 12 years ago and has scored almost 8,000 runs for his country . Speculation will now mount over who will replace Clarke at the helm with George Bailey and Steve Smith the two most likely candidates . Bailey has led the 50-over team in Clarke 's absence due to back and hamstring injuries recently but Steve Smith was handed the Test reins during the recent series win over India . And while Clarke admitted that Smith had impressed over the winter , he refused to get drawn into the debate over his replacement . 'Smithy has certainly matured as a player and a person , ' he said . ' I do n't think it would be fair for me to go into who is going to be the next captain , it 's not my place . It 's up to the selectors . ' Clarke has led Australia in 73 one-day matches and victory on Sunday would be a 50th win at the helm .
Michael Clarke revealed surprise decision to retire ahead of Sunday 's final . Clarke has played 244 ODIs for Australia after making his debut in 2003 . The Australia captain has scored 7907 runs at an average of 44.42 . Clarke , 33 to continue at Test level and will lead Australia against England this summer .