Australian all-rounder Shane Watson quits Test cricket

The Australian took the decision after another injury setback cut short his ODI tour in the UK.

He has sustained a calf injury.

"It’s been a decision that hasn’t come lightly, over the last month especially," Watson was quoted as saying by Cricket Australia website.

"I know it’s the right time to move on and still hopefully play the shorter formats of the game, one-dayers and T20s," he said.

"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," the all-rounder said.

"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," he said.

Watson said: "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."

In his Test career, Watson has played 59 matches for Australia, scoring 3,731 runs and taking 75 wickets.

The Australian captain, coach and other team members paid their respect to the retiring cricketer.

Steve Smith wrote on twitter: "59 Test matches for Australia is an incredible achievement. @ShaneRWatson33 you should be really proud of everything you've accomplished."

Australian coach Darren Lehmann wrote: "Congrats @ShaneRWatson33 on retirement. You deserve all the accolades that come your way. It's been a pleasure to be a part of you career."

Patrick Cummins wrote: "Congrats @ShaneRWatson33 on a great Test career. Super bloke and a massive help to new guys in the squad. Still a lot of ODIs and T20s left!."

Ryan Harris, who retired few months ago, wrote: "Congrats to @ShaneRWatson33 on a great test career! Has been an honour to be apart of your journey! Great player and even better person!."

Australian spin mainstay, Nathan Lyon wrote: "Congrats to @ShaneRWatson33 on an outstanding test career for Australia! It has been a pleasure and privilege to be your team mate!."

The decision comes as a surprise for the Aussies as the highly experienced Watson decided to hang his boots days after their ex-Test captain Micheal Clarke bid adieu to cricket.