Australia all-rounder Shane Watson on Thursday announced that he will be retiring from all forms of international cricket following the completion of the World Twenty20 tournament in India.
Last discipline
Watson had retired from Test cricket following Australia’s 3-2 Ashes series loss in England last summer.
Twenty20 cricket has been his only association with his national side since September, as he has not featured in the team’s one-day international thoughts since he last played for the side in the 50-over format at Lord’s against England.
Qualifying hopes
The 34 year old is part of the Australia squad competing at the World Twenty20 in India at present.
He has featured in both of their fixtures in Group 2 so far, and is expected to feature again on Friday when they go up against Pakistan in Mohali.
It is a match they need to win to keep their hopes on track of qualifying for the semi-finals.
Right time
Of his decision to stop, Watson said: “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.
“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.”
Different
Watson, who made his international debut 14 years ago against South Africa in Centurion, added he also felt out of place in the new youthful side, captained by Steve Smith.
“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 any more.”
Proud
Watson played in 59 Tests, 190 ODIs and if he does start on Friday against Pakistan, it will be his 57th T20 cap for Australia. He was part of the World Cup winning teams of 2007 and last year.
James Sutherland, Cricket Australia chief executive said: “Shane should be proud of his contribution to Australian cricket.”
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The Bio
Favourite vegetable: “I really like the taste of the beetroot, the potatoes and the eggplant we are producing.”
Holiday destination: “I like Paris very much, it’s a city very close to my heart.”
Book: “Das Kapital, by Karl Marx. I am not a communist, but there are a lot of lessons for the capitalist system, if you let it get out of control, and humanity.”
Musician: “I like very much Fairuz, the Lebanese singer, and the other is Umm Kulthum. Fairuz is for listening to in the morning, Umm Kulthum for the night.”
ULTRA PROCESSED FOODS
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Bio
Born in Dibba, Sharjah in 1972.
He is the eldest among 11 brothers and sisters.
He was educated in Sharjah schools and is a graduate of UAE University in Al Ain.
He has written poetry for 30 years and has had work published in local newspapers.
He likes all kinds of adventure movies that relate to his work.
His dream is a safe and preserved environment for all humankind.
His favourite book is The Quran, and 'Maze of Innovation and Creativity', written by his brother.
