Pakistan cricketers pay tribute to Watson after retirement from all cricket

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson retired from all forms of cricket on Tuesday, drawing the curtain on an injury-plagued career which he managed to extend by reinventing himself as a journeyman Twenty20 specialist.

Watson ended his Test career in 2015 and quit international cricket the next year, surrendering in his battle against a litany of injuries that bedevilled his career.

He quit Big Bash League last year but played this year’s Indian Premier League where his team Chennai Super Kings failed to make the playoff.

“It really does feel like the right time now that I’ve played my last game of cricket ever for my beloved CSK...” the popular blond said in a video on his YouTube channel.

“To think that I’m finishing my playing days as a 39-year-old, after all of my injury setbacks that I had along the way, I feel so ridiculously fortunate,” said Watson who made 14 in his last outing against Kolkata Knight Riders on Thursday.

For an injury-prone player, Watson played 59 Tests, 190 one-dayers and 58 Twenty20 matches in his 14 years in international cricket.

The brevity of 20-overs cricket suited the all-rounder who played franchise cricket in Australia, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and West Indies.

Pakistan cricketers paid tribute to the Australian all-rounder on his retirement.

Congratulations on a wonderful career @ShaneRWatson33 you were one of the greatest all-rounders of modern day cricket, really enjoyed playing against you. Hope you have a great time and life post-retirement.

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) November 3, 2020

And @ShaneRWatson33 calls an end on an amazing career. Honour to share the field with such a fantastic cricketer. Go well in retirement buddy! pic.twitter.com/Ca3QPFr1PH

— Wahab Riaz (@WahabViki) November 2, 2020

One of my favourite player @ShaneRWatson33 bid a farewell to all formats of cricket.Undoubtedly his career has been outstanding & been inspiration for many.wish him all the very best for his future.Go well mate👍🏻 pic.twitter.com/orkQbP9fsT

— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) November 3, 2020

An amazing run @ShaneRWatson33 and what a career ! Wishing you all the best in your new journey ! You and your game will be missed on the field. Go well !

— Azhar Mahmood (@AzharMahmood11) November 3, 2020