Cricket fraternity reacts as Shane Watson bids farewell to professional cricket

Watson played 59 Tests, 190 ODIs, and 58 T20Is for Australia.

Shane Watson | GettyFormer Australia all-rounder Shane Watson bid adieu to professional cricket on Tuesday (November 3). The 39-year-old, who retired internationally back in 2016, had been playing in T20 leagues such as the IPL, BBL and PSL since then. 

With age and injuries, Watson had stopped bowling, but he remained a favourite across the globe due to his explosive batsmanship and big game impact. 

WATCH- "Grateful for your love and support,” says Shane Watson; bids farewell to CSK fans

The right-hander took Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to the IPL title on their return to the league with a superb hundred in the 2018 final against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He nearly repeated the feat versus Mumbai Indians (MI) in the 2019 final.

Struggles post an extended pandemic break may have had a part to play in Watson's decision to say goodbye, as he averaged only 29.90 across 11 innings in this year's edition of the IPL in UAE while striking at a rate of just 121.05. A disappointing run that unsurprisingly coincided with CSK's first league stage exit. 

Nevertheless, it's only fitting that he reserved his last for the IPL where Watson will no doubt be remembered among the league's legend. 

During his prime, Watson took Rajasthan Royals (RR) to their only title till date back in 2008 with an all-round show that also fetched him the 'Player-of-the-Tournament' award. He featured for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) as well before moving to CSK in his final years. 

In all, Watson scored 3,874 runs at a strike-rate of 137.91 and took 92 wickets while going at 7.93 runs per over across 145 IPL games. 

He represented his country in 59 Tests, 190 ODIs, and 58 T20Is, including being part of 2007 and 2015 World Cup wins and the home Ashes whitewash of England in 2013-14 summer. 

The cricket fraternity wished Watson all the best for his future endeavours. 

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By Kashish Chadha - 04 Nov, 2020

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