Sydney, Australia (BBN)-Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has announced his retirement from Test cricket, effective immediately.
Watson, an often maligned figure within the Australian team, retires after 59 Tests, 3,371 runs at 35.19 and 75 wickets since his debut in 2005, reports ABC News.
A disappointing performance in his now-final Test against England in Cardiff in July saw him dropped from the Australian side, and although he intends to continue playing the short form for his country, Watson has opted against fighting for a spot in the Test XI again.
“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,” Watson said.
“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.”
Another injury, this time to his calf, has cut short his tour of England, and the Queensland-born Watson informed his team-mates the morning after Australia’s 64-run win in the second ODI at Lord’s.
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