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Rediff.com  » Cricket » Out-of-form and injury ridden, Shane Watson quits Test cricket

Out-of-form and injury ridden, Shane Watson quits Test cricket

Last updated on: September 06, 2015 17:22 IST
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Shane Watson

IMAGE: Australia's Shane Watson during a nets session. Photograph: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson announced his retirement from Test cricket on Sunday.

The 34-year-old, disappointing in the recently concluded Ashes series -- he was woefully out of form -- played his final match in the first Ashes Test in Cardiff Test.

Watson made 30 and 19 with the bat, and failed to take a wicket, causing him to lose his place for the rest of the series.

"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 stated on Cricket Australia's official website.

"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."

The all-rounder from Queensland, who made his Test debut in 2005, ended his Test career playing 59 Tests and scoring 3,371 runs at an average of 35.19 and picking 75 wickets.

Since his 2005 Test debut against Pakistan, regular hamstring and back injuries have taken toll on Watson's body and his stock has fallen considerably over the last couple of year. 

Watson, who has battled injuries throughout his career, sustained a calf injury in Saturday's one-day victory over England that ended his England tour, the CA said on their website.

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