KINGSTON, Jamaica - Veteran fast bowler Courtney Walsh says he postponed his retirement to join the West Indies tour of Australia to bolster the team, not to further secure his status as cricket's top wicket-taker, a Jamaican newspaper reported today.

Walsh, 38, is the all-time leader in Test history with 473 wickets, 39 more than Indian Kepil Dev. Following the West Indies' 3-1 series loss in September to England, Walsh had publicly debated retiring from the game.

In The Observer newspaper, Walsh was quoted as saying that his decision to join the four-month Australia tour that begins in November was not based on an attempt to reach the 500-wicket mark.

"One of the main reasons for me deciding to tour is because I believe that it wouldn't be fair to West Indies cricket for [himself and fast bowler Curtly Ambrose] to leave at the same time," Walsh was quoted as saying. "I am hoping that my presence will help some of the younger players come through."

The West Indies will play five Tests against Australia and compete in a triangular one-day tournament also involving Zimbabwe during the tour.

© 2000 AAP