SYDNEY - Veteran West Indies paceman Courtney Walsh could end his illustrious career Down Under after confirming his availability for his fourth cricket tour of Australia.

According to The Sun Herald, Walsh told West Indies chairman of selectors Mike Findlay he wanted to play in the five Test series against Australia this summer. The Australian tour would almost certainly mark the swansong for the 37-year-old Walsh who has a world record haul of 483 wickets from 122 Tests.

An embarrassing recent Test series loss to England was supposed to mark the final appearance by Walsh and new ball partner Curtly Ambrose at Test level.

But Walsh appears keen to postpone his farewell with his side at such a low ebb and with an historic 500 wicket mark in striking distance.

© 2000 AAP