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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World Cup qualifier
Thailand 2 (Dangda 26', Panya 51')
UAE 1 (Mabkhout 45 2')
Ziina users can donate to relief efforts in Beirut
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
RESULTS
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hall of shame
SUNDERLAND 2002-03
No one has ended a Premier League season quite like Sunderland. They lost each of their final 15 games, taking no points after January. They ended up with 19 in total, sacking managers Peter Reid and Howard Wilkinson and losing 3-1 to Charlton when they scored three own goals in eight minutes.
SUNDERLAND 2005-06
Until Derby came along, Sunderland’s total of 15 points was the Premier League’s record low. They made it until May and their final home game before winning at the Stadium of Light while they lost a joint record 29 of their 38 league games.
HUDDERSFIELD 2018-19
Joined Derby as the only team to be relegated in March. No striker scored until January, while only two players got more assists than goalkeeper Jonas Lossl. The mid-season appointment Jan Siewert was to end his time as Huddersfield manager with a 5.3 per cent win rate.
ASTON VILLA 2015-16
Perhaps the most inexplicably bad season, considering they signed Idrissa Gueye and Adama Traore and still only got 17 points. Villa won their first league game, but none of the next 19. They ended an abominable campaign by taking one point from the last 39 available.
FULHAM 2018-19
Terrible in different ways. Fulham’s total of 26 points is not among the lowest ever but they contrived to get relegated after spending over £100 million (Dh457m) in the transfer market. Much of it went on defenders but they only kept two clean sheets in their first 33 games.
LA LIGA: Sporting Gijon, 13 points in 1997-98.
BUNDESLIGA: Tasmania Berlin, 10 points in 1965-66
Results
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Company%C2%A0profile
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GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, Group B
Barcelona v Inter Milan
Camp Nou, Barcelona
Wednesday, 11pm (UAE)
