Shane Watson announces retirement from international cricket
Watson is set to hung his boots after the conclusion of the World T20 in India, in April.
The burly Aussie was quoted by the Cricket Australia website as saying, "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've been playing with the thought for a few months now and I know now with the way the group is continuing to evolve, which is exciting to be able to see, with my young family as well, and seeing the potential of the international schedule is very hectic."
"And 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," Watson said.
He added, "I really enjoyed my time being back in the Australian squad but, it is quite different. None of the other guys that I played with growing up are here anymore."
Speaking fondly about starting out young as an Aussie, Watson said, "I know how privileged I've been to be in the position to start out so young with so many incredible players. That's part of what I've always seen myself being the filter to pass on that knowledge to the guys that I'm involved with."
He also hailed his former team mates. Reliving his days under the captaincy of Steve Waugh, Watson said, "I know how incredibly fortunate I've been … my first tour was with Steve Waugh as the captain of the Test squad. A lot of these guys have seen Steve Waugh play but never had the fortune to actually be able to play with him."
"That's just one guy, let alone all the other legends I was fortunate enough to play with and it feels like the right time to be able to let the younger group continue to grow and evolve like they have been."
Watson also spoke about their disastrous tour to India, in which the Aussies conceded the Test series 4-0. The same series also saw him getting suspended for voicing dissent against the them coach.
"That was a time I certainly was considering my future within the Australian team because at that point in time I certainly wasn't enjoying the environment at all, I was enjoying playing in that regard. And that's what the game of cricket and sport in general is there for – to be thoroughly enjoyed."
Speaking about his love for the game, Watto, as he is fondly known in the change room, said that it was important for him to stick through the bad times as he was sure it would eventually wane.
"The thing that really shone through at that point in time was how much I do love the game and realising that was absolutely living the dream. I just had to get through that period of time having faith that there was light at the end of the tunnel and there certainly was. It changed within two or three months with Darren (Lehmann) coming in (as coach) and changing things around," Watson said.
The Aussie also revealed his post retirement plan.
"It's no secret I do love coaching and that's one thing I will be doing in my time off," he said.
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