Shaun Tait, the Australian pace bowler, has announced he will take an indefinite break from all levels of cricket due to "physical and emotional exhaustion."

Tait, 24, has suffered recurrent injuries dating back to 2005 and has undergone surgery to his shoulder and elbow. He has also suffered intermittent pain from back and hamstring injuries and says he needs time to "rest and recover."

"A break from professional cricket will hopefully give me a clear mind," Tait said. "My love and enjoyment of the game is struggling due to these issues. This is a very difficult situation for me. It is not an overnight decision but something I've been struggling with for some time.

"If I continue, it will be unfair on my team-mates and support staff of both the Australian and South Australian cricket teams - and most importantly my family and close friends."

Tait's decision has come just three days after Adam Gilchrist, the Australia wicketkeeper, surprisingly announced his retirement from Test cricket. Australia have been hit by a series of retirements in the past 14 months with Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Justin Langer and Damien Martyn all departing following last season's Ashes.

"The combination of his injury history and the demands of being an elite professional cricketer has affected his physical, and significantly, his emotional well being," Terry Farquharson, South Australian Cricket Association's medical officer, said. "Shaun feels he needs a rest from cricket and I support this, which will allow him to recover both physically and emotionally."

Tait, known as 'Wild Thing' for his erratic delivery, is one of the fastest bowlers in world cricket and was named in 2007 as the International Cricket Council's emerging player of the year. The South Australian played two tests on the 2005 Ashes tour of England but did not break into the side for another two and a half years after being hampered by shoulder problems.

Tait has had more success with one-day cricket, capturing 33 wickets from 18 appearances, and was a key member of the Australian side that won last year's World Cup in the West Indies. He has struggled to secure a place in the Australian test team since, making just three appearances so far.

On his return from the Caribbean, he underwent elbow surgery and has struggled to gain full fitness, and failed to take a wicket on his comeback to Test cricket in the third Test against India in Perth. Dr Trefor James, Cricket Australia's Chief medical officer, said it was clear that Tait needed a break from cricket at all levels. "We'll be working with Shaun going forward to ensure that whatever assistance he requires is provided to him," James said. "Shaun's personal welfare is our primary concern as well as his return to cricket at an appropriate point."