Shane Watson retires from Test cricket after new injury
Australian all-rounder Shane Watson on Sunday announced his retirement from test cricket effective immediately after another injury setback cut short his one-day international tour of Britain.
Watson sustained a series-ending calf injury in Saturday’s 64-run one-day win over England at Lord’s.
A disappointing performance in his now-final test against England in Cardiff in July saw him dropped from the Australian side. He said Sunday he won’t attempt to regain a test spot.
“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.”
Watson said he felt now was the best time to retire from the five-day format.
“I just know it’s the right time to move on,” Watson said. “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.”