Agence France Presse
London, Sept 6: Australia’s veteran all-rounder Shane Watson announced his retirement from Test cricket Sunday.
The last of the 34-year-old’s 10-year Test career came in the Ashes opener at Cardiff which England won by 169 runs. Watson made 30 and 19 with the bat, and failed to take a wicket, causing him to lose his place for the rest of the series. Watson’s Test retirement was announced on Cricket Australia’s official website.
“It’s been a decision that hasn’t come lightly, over the last month especially,” he said. “I know it’s the right time to move on and still hopefully play the shorter formats of the game, one-dayers and T20s.
“I’ve been through a lot of different waves of emotion about what is right for myself, my family and most importantly the team as well. “Over the last couple of days there was a lot of clarity (for me) of what the right decision was. I just know that I’ve given everything I possibly can to get the best out of myself.”
Watson, who captained his country in one test and nine one day internationals, steps down after being ruled out of the rest of the one-day international series by a calf injury sustained in the tourists’ victory at Lord’s, Saturday. He informed his teammates of his decision Sunday morning.
STATS
Batting
Match Innings Runs HS Avg
59 109 3731 176 35.19
Bowling
Match Innings Wickets BBM Avg
59 93 75 6/51 33.68