Shane Watson quits test cricket

Reuters: Australian Shane Watson has announced he is retiring from test cricket, the country’s governing body said on Sunday (6 September).

The 34-year-old all-rounder will continue to be available for one day Twenty20 Internationals.

Watson joins Michael Clarke, who captained Australia in the recent Ashes series, opening batsman Chris Rogers and bowler Ryan Harris in quitting test cricket in recent months. Watson said in a statement: “I announce my retirement from Test cricket today with a heavy heart. Playing for my country has always been an absolute privilege, and there is no more challenging environment than Test cricket.

“I have given my all to be the best I can be, physically, technically and mentally, and while I have not always achieved the personal goals that I set myself in Test cricket, to have played over 50 Tests and to have captained my country is more than I ever dreamed of. “I hope to continue to represent my country in both shorter formats of the game, and I believe that I still have a significant amount to contribute.” Watson made his Test debut at the Sydney Cricket Ground in January 2005 against Pakistan, and made his final Test appearance at Cardiff in the Ashes series against England.

In 59 tests he scored 3731 runs at an average of 35.19, the 25th on a list of all-time run-scorers for Australia, including four centuries, 24 fifties. With the ball he took 75 wickets at 33.68 runs per wicket and held 45 catches.

Watson captained Australia in one Test, against India in Delhi in March 2013, losing it by six wickets.