ZCZC
BSP-07
CRICKET-AUS-T20-WATSON-BIGBASH
Shane Watson retires from Australian cricket
SYDNEY, April 26, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Powerful all-rounder Shane Watson
retired from Australia’s Twenty20 Big Bash League Friday, but will continue
playing select overseas tournaments.
The 37-year-old, who quit international cricket in 2016, stood down as
Sydney Thunder’s captain and all-time top run-scorer to spend more time with
his family.
“I have so many amazing memories that I will savour forever with the one
standout being our (tournament) win in 2016,” he said.
“To my teammates, I have played with so many great people and cricketers at
the club and I sincerely wish everyone the absolute best for the upcoming
seasons.”
Despite his age, Watson remains a force to be reckoned with.
He smacked a century from just 62 balls for the Thunder against the
Brisbane Heat last season and hit 96 off 53 balls for the Chennai Super Kings
in the Indian Premier League this week.
Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts congratulated him on a
“dynamic career”.
“Shane Watson was one of the most exciting short-form players ever to grace
a cricket field,” he said.
“In a career which spanned almost two decades Shane made a major
contribution to Australian cricket firstly at international level and then in
domestic cricket as a significant contributor to the Big Bash.
“Talented, skillful and powerful, Shane was a devastating batsman at his
best.”
Watson played more than 700 international and domestic matches in total,
scoring over 25,000 runs and claiming in excess of 600 wickets.
He is the only Sydney Thunder batsman to score more than a 1,000 runs and
head coach Shane Bond called him “the ultimate professional”.
“He cared about the team and the players and was hugely respected in the
dressing room. We’re really going to miss what he brings to the team and he
will be a big loss.” he said.
BSS/AFP/GMR/1136 hrs