Shane Watson to retire from international cricket following the World T20

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has announced retirement from international cricket. Watson ahead of the World T20 game against Pakistan said that he intends to retire following Australia’s World T20 campaign.

He said that he informed his teammates of his decision and felt it is the right time for the decision. “It’s been over the last week that it’s really become clear that now really is the right time to retire from all international cricket,” Watson was quoted by cricket.co.au saying.

“I’ve been playing with the thought for a few months now and I know now with the way the group is continuing to evolve, which is exciting to be able to see, with my young family as well, and seeing the potential of the international schedule is very hectic.

“And I just know it’s the right time to be able to right now clear my mind knowing that I’ve made the decision and be absolutely ready to go for these next two very important games.”

Watson was a part of the golden era and said he enjoyed the time back then. “I really enjoyed my time being back in the Australian squad but, it is quite different,” he said.

“None of the other guys that I played with growing up are here anymore. I know how privileged I’ve been to be in the position to start out so young with so many incredible players.

“That’s part of what I’ve always seen myself being the filter to pass on that knowledge to the guys that I’m involved with.

“I know how incredibly fortunate I’ve been … my first tour was with Steve Waugh as the captain of the Test squad.

“A lot of these guys have seen Steve Waugh play but never had the fortune to actually be able to play with him.

“That’s just one guy, let alone all the other legends I was fortunate enough to play with and it feels like the right time to be able to let the younger group continue to grow and evolve like they have been.”

He also talked about the ‘Homework’ gate of 2013 and said, “That was a time I certainly was considering my future within the Australian team because at that point in time I certainly wasn’t enjoying the environment at all, I was enjoying playing in that regard,”

“And that’s what the game of cricket and sport in general is there for – to be thoroughly enjoyed.

“The thing that really shone through at that point in time was how much I do love the game and realising that was absolutely living the dream.

“I just had to get through that period of time having faith that there was light at the end of the tunnel and there certainly was.

“It changed within two or three months with Darren (Lehmann) coming in (as coach) and changing things around.”

Watson had this ability to bat at the top of the order and open the innings with the bat as well, but towards the latter half of the career, with injuries hampering his case, did he think of continuing just as a batsman? “I’ve definitely thought at moments, like a few years ago, that being an allrounder and being able to play at full capacity as an allrounder, those days were numbered,” Watson said.

“Especially around 2006-07, I was certainly doubting myself because I just kept getting injured all the time.

“But as a batsman, I always have done and would have done everything I possibly can to get the best out of myself as a batsman alone.

“I knew whatever format it was, whatever level it was I was going to play cricket because I love the game so much.

“Certainly as an allrounder from those periods of time I couldn’t really see the light with all the injuries I had I certainly exceeded my expectations in that regard.”

Though he is retiring from international cricket Watto will continue to feature in T20 leagues the Indian Premier League, Caribbean Premier League, Big Bash League and the Pakistan Super League. “There’s a big break that I’ll have after the Caribbean Premier League from August to nearly the start of the Big Bash that I’ll definitely up-skill from a coaching perspective whether that’s skill-wise with young players or outside the cricket aspect as well.”

He also has coaching on his mind, Watson said “It’s no secret I do love coaching and that’s one thing I will be doing in my time off,” he said.