Ryan Harris' retirement press conference

Five days before the opening delivery of the 2015 Ashes series, Australia has lost one of its key bowling weapons – not just from the tour but from the game – and drafted into their squad young replacement Pat Cummins.

Harris had undertaken an extensive training program following major surgery on his battle-scarred right knee in March last year in order to have him in peak condition for the upcoming Ashes campaign, of which he was deemed a vital part.

Watch: Ryno's last walk as an international cricketer

But despite the gruelling work he undertook at the Bupa National Cricket Centre in Brisbane during the World Cup and the months that followed, pain returned to his knee during his first pre-Ashes hit-out against Kent and his future was immediately in doubt.

Further scans taken in London yesterday confirmed fresh damage to the joint that was operated on last year, and after consultation with the team medical staff it was agreed that Harris would be unable to take any further active part on the Qantas Tour of the British Isles.

Watch: The 'Cook Ball' in 2013-14 whitewash

"Ryan unfortunately experienced right knee pain during the tour match in Canterbury which was consistent with his ongoing knee condition," Bupa Support Team Physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said in Chelmsford today.

"Whilst Ryan has had similar knee pain in the past, on this occasion it was more severe and he was unable to play in the Essex tour match.

"He had scans in London this week which revealed new damage to his existing knee injury.

"Unfortunately the damage to the joint means it is unlikely that he would recover in time to play a part in this series."

Watch: Ryno takes 22 Ashes wickets in 2013-14 series

The 35-year-old, who has battled numerous injury setbacks throughout his career but had set himself for one final Ashes tilt, then spoke with his family and announced he was walking away from the game, albeit gingerly.

"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 in Chelmsford today prior to the resumption of Australia's tour game against Essex.

"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 play every game like it's my last: Harris"

A player beloved by his captains, teammates and fans alike for his relentless competitiveness, uncompromising effort and brutal self-honesty, Harris won plaudits from around the cricket world when the news was announced today.

And even before, when Australia captain Michael Clarke spoke at the end of yesterday's play at Chelmsford about his "love" for his bullocking fast bowler.

Coach Darren Lehmann, who played with Harris in their native northern suburbs of Adelaide and at South Australia and then coached him on his shift to Queensland where his game progressed in leaps and bounds, was effusive in his praise.

"I was lucky enough to captain Ryan as a grade cricketer, a rookie player and as a state cricketer," Lehmann said today.

"He was one of the most talented players I had ever seen.

That moment: Harris delivery breaks Carberry's bat

"Ryan always gave it his all for his country and he epitomises everything the Baggy Green stands for.

"His never say die attitude was his signature as he left absolutely nothing on the field each time he played and I think that is something for which he should be incredibly proud.

"His beautiful wife Cherie and his new son Carter, his dad Jim, his late mum Gai and his brother Gavin will be so proud of him and what he has achieved and the legacy he leaves behind.

"The team and I are certainly very proud of everything he has achieved on and off the field and we wish him all the best in whatever he decides to do next."

Watch: Harris speaks about his first foray into coaching

Cricket Australia Chairman Wally Edwards also offered a generous assessment of the man who played 27 Tests and made an impact in virtually all of them, perhaps none more so than the last-gasp victory he bowled Australia to against South Africa in Cape Town last year.

"On behalf of the Cricket Australia Board I'd like to congratulate Ryan on an outstanding career," Edwards said.

"Ryan has been a wonderful role model and has proved to state cricketers around the nation that age is no barrier to national selection if you have talent, commitment and a burning desire to succeed.

Warhorse: The epitome of a gritty fast bowler

"What made Ryan a special player is that he was there for his team when it mattered most. Lionhearted effort after lionhearted effort consistently put Australia in winning positions.

"Who will ever forget the image of a battle weary Ryan Harris defying the odds to bowl Australia to a famous series victory in South Africa last year?

"We wish him and his young family well for the future. He will be missed from the international scene but we look forward to him remaining involved with the game in some way."

Video: Just a week ago Harris declared he was 'here to play all five Tests'

For Harris, ever the team man, it's the camaraderie of the dressing room that he knows he will most miss.

"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.

Harris blasts his highest Test score of 74 at the MCG

"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."

For that reason, Harris will remain with the Ashes touring party for the immediate future.

Cummins, a part of Australia's triumphant World Cup winning squad, played his one and only Test in South Africa in 2011 before himself succumbing to a series of injuries.

He was due to travel to India for the upcoming tour by an Australia A team but is now due to arrive in Cardiff in coming days with the opening Test due to start there on Wednesday.

Video: Behind the scenes with Ryno the coach

BREAKING: Ryan Harris has announced his retirement from all cricket effective immediately #Ashes — cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) July 4, 2015

Harris "Given news from yesterday, and after talking it over with my family, I know now is the right is the time to step away from cricket, — Andrew Ramsey (@ARamseyCricket) July 4, 2015

Congratulations on a fantastic career Rhino. Great bowler, even better bloke. #RyanHarris — Jason Gillespie (@YCCCDizzy) July 4, 2015

No matter what level of cricket, he is the greatest competitor I have ever seen! Congratulations @r_harris413 👍 — Chris Lynn (@lynny50) July 4, 2015

Really sad to hear this, great competitor and from the beers I've shared with him a top top bloke https://t.co/I3dYVebeK4 — Stuart Broad (@StuartBroad8) July 4, 2015

Genuinely gutted to hear that. He's a top bloke. Always was tough to face. Wish him all the best. https://t.co/JPrJ9eUxOt — Ian Bell (@Ian_Bell) July 4, 2015

Very sad to hear that @r_harris413 has retired - his 5/72 here in 2013 was a beautiful spell of bowling #Ashes pic.twitter.com/K0zmFbbZBV — Lord's Ground (@HomeOfCricket) July 4, 2015

Congrats on a fantastic career Ryan Harris..Great bowler and a even better bloke.... Massive blow for Australia ... #Ashes — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 4, 2015

Well done Ryan Harris for squeezing every last drop from yourself. Elite numbers & peerless effort - the Ashes just evened up! #TheAshes — Jamie Cox (@jamiecox1969) July 4, 2015

Ryan Harris IMO was Australia's most dangerous threat in English conditions... #Ashes — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 4, 2015

Australia's Ryan Harris has retired from all formats of cricket ahead of the #Ashes Congratulations on a great career pic.twitter.com/LC13xdsV6G — ICC (@ICC) July 4, 2015

Gutted for @r_harris413 having to retire, especially after seeing how hard he worked to get back. He will be missed #legend #ThanksRyno — Jessica Jonassen (@JJonassen21) July 4, 2015

Sorry to hear @r_harris413 has called it a day, great competitor and even better bloke! Was a privilege to play against him #Ryno — Ryan Duffield (@PremiumDuff) July 4, 2015

Absolutely gutted for @r_harris413. Congratulations on a brilliant career. A champion on and off the field — Holly Ferling (@Holly_Ferling) July 4, 2015

Oh. My. God. That is heartbreaking news. @r_harris413 is one of the great men. Privileged to have played with him! https://t.co/f93OjdpVVO — Trent Copeland (@copes9) July 4, 2015

Sad to see @r_harris413 go out like that.... What a legend on and off the field for australia. Congrats on a fantastic career!! — Alyssa Healy (@ahealy77) July 4, 2015

Congratulations on a fantastic career Rhino. Great bowler, even better bloke. #RyanHarris — Jason Gillespie (@YCCCDizzy) July 4, 2015

So sorry to hear @r_harris413 hanging up his boots this way. What an amazing player! All the best for the future pic.twitter.com/4lSoLko3x0 — Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) July 4, 2015

Congrats @r_harris413 on an incredible career.Such a passionate competitor and role model. Loved every moment playing with him #AussieLegend — Joe Burns (@joeburns62) July 4, 2015

Sorry to hear your knee hasn't recovered Rhino but congrats on everything you've achieved. Well done mate, you'll be missed. @r_harris413 — Glenn McGrath (@glennmcgrath11) July 4, 2015

Well done on a fantastic career @r_harris413. You will be missed. Facing your around the wicket bumpers will not. #Rhino — Kane Richardson (@KRichardson63) July 4, 2015

Congratulations on a magnificent career @r_harris413 respected by everyone - Quality person ! — Darren Berry (@ChuckBerry1969) July 4, 2015

Sad news that Ryan Harris has had to retire..amazing bowler and brilliant bloke.. — Aaron Finch (@AaronFinch5) July 4, 2015

Gutted to see another of the fast bowling fraternity have to retire.Always a great competitor and beautiful to watch https://t.co/oUcgEAFRPK — Tim Bresnan (@timbresnan) July 4, 2015

Top bloke as well Ryan Harris and comfortable one of the best bowlers I've ever faced. Wish him well with the future — Tim Bresnan (@timbresnan) July 4, 2015

Shattered for ryno.a fantastic bloke who derseved more luck with his body.but a fantasic career mate congratulations. #heartofalion — John Hastings (@johnhastings194) July 4, 2015

Congrats @r_harris413 on an outstanding career. The epitome of hard work and perseverance. Privileged to of played alongside you — Ben Cutting (@Cuttsy31) July 4, 2015

Great cricketer! Great bloke! Proud to have played alongside one of crickets toughest competitors @r_harris413 #ryno — Michael Neser (@michaelness20) July 4, 2015

Congratulations to Ryan Harris on a great career. His record speaks for itself and he's a great guy too. A massive blow for the Aussies. — Graeme Swann (@Swannyg66) July 4, 2015

Sad to see @r_harris413 has had to retire but congratulations on a great career and coming back from all those injuries. #seriousbowler — Chris Tremlett (@ChrisTremlett33) July 4, 2015

People talk of Capetown, I will remember his MOM in Barbados with food poisoning. Lionhearted like few I have played with. #rhino — Ed Cowan (@eddiecowan) July 4, 2015

Congrats on a great career @r_harris413. Been unreal to watch you train and lead by example in Brisbane. Good luck for the future #legend — Cameron Bancroft (@bangas_mash) July 4, 2015