“I just know it’s the right time to move on”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect after sustaining another calf injury.

While his Test career may have come to an end, Watson, who will miss the remainder of the ongoing ODI series against England after sustaining the calf injury during the second ODI at Lord’s, has expressed his desire to continue representing Australia in the shorter formats of the game.

“I just know it’s the right time to move on,” Watson, whose 10-year Test career was plagued by injuries, 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.

“It’s been a decision that hasn’t come lightly, over the last month especially. 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.”

Watson represented the Baggy Greens in 59 Tests and scored 3731 runs, which included four centuries, at an average of 35.19. He also took 75 wickets, which included three five-wicket hauls, at an average of 33.68.