Shane Watson retires from Test Cricket

Shane Watson retires from Test Cricket: Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect. Watson had played 59 Tests in a career scoring 3731 runs at 35.19 and taking 75 wickets at 33.68. Injury and form had been major issues for Watson at various points through his Test career.

Watson, who made his test debut in 2005, decided to quit the longest format after Australia’s loss to England in the 2015 Ashes, a day after he had to leave the field during One-Day international game against England at Lord’s due to “minor right calf strain”.

Despite of regular criticism Watson faced by playing at his best position in the batting order, he brought out his best and won back to back Allan Border Medals in 2010 and 2011 while opening the batting.

His work with the ball was often under-rated, and although his injuries brought a major setback to his pace. Watson developed a knack of taking crucial wickets through consistent bowling and use of swing.

His spell of 5 for 17 against South Africa in Cape Town in 2011 was perhaps the best display of his bowling talents.

“It has been a decision that hasn’t come lightly, over the last month especially,” Watson said while announcing his decision. “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. I just know it’s the right time to move on. I don’t have that real fight in me, especially for Test cricket, knowing the lengths physically that I’d have to go through, mentally and technically as well, to be at my best in Test cricket, so I just know it’s the right time.“