Cricket great Shane Watson calls time on stellar career | Morning Serve

One of Australia's most formidable short-format batsmen has retired from the game, leaving behind an impressive legacy.

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November 3, 2020 - 10:07AM

HYDERABAD, INDIA - MAY 12: Shane Watson of the Chennai Super Kings celebrates scoring his fifty runs during the Indian Premier League Final match between the the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium on May 12, 2019 in Hyderabad, India. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

Former Australian batsman Shane Watson has retired from all formats of professional cricket.

After retiring from Test cricket in 2015, Watson has continued competing in T20 tournaments around the world, representing the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League and the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.

But after Chennai were knocked out of the 2020 IPL on the week, the 39-year-old informed his teammates he would not return next season, as reported by The Times of India.

"Watson was very emotional when he told the CSK dressing room after the last game that he would retire. He said that it was a great privilege for him to play for the franchise," a source told The Times of India.

The curtain closes on a remarkable @IPL career. Congratulations mate youâ€™ve done yourself proud and made every team youâ€™ve played in so complete. #ShaneWatson
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) November 2, 2020

Watson scored 10,950 international runs for Australia after making his international debut in 2002. He was one of the first cricketers to score a century in all three formats of the game.

The all-rounder featured in Australia's triumphant 2013/14 Ashes campaign, and played in the 2007 and 2015 Cricket World Cup finals.

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ARLC chairman Peter V'landys said the success of November&#x27;s three-match series would be closely monitored, and the NRL were keen to trial the experimental format.

But Slater would like to see the Origin series return to its traditional mid-season timeslot in future years.

"It does affect the international game if you do put it at the end of the season, and I think the international game is really important," Slater told WWOS Radio.

"And I'm not sure the build-up is as big as it would be in the middle of the year.

"People are used to the Grand Final finishing, and then everyone sort of exhales from rugby league."

Daniher isn’t feeling the pressure

Brisbane Lions recruit Joe Daniher isn’t feeling the pressure of delivering the Lions their first AFL flag since 2003.

“From my experience in football, anything that’s happened the year before doesn’t guarantee anything that goes on into the future,” Daniher said on Monday.

“Brisbane have a great win-loss record in recent times, but that doesn’t guarantee you anything.

“You need to knuckle down and continue to stick to a process and vision. I feel the Brisbane Lions are going to do that and I’m really excited to be a part of that. Hopefully I can play a role in helping the guys on field and supporting the coaches and what they’re trying to achieve.”

There's a new kid in town 😉#Uncaged pic.twitter.com/ct0R7ZQnf8
— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) November 2, 2020

The Lions have finished second on the ladder for two years in succession, but failed to reach the Grand Final on both occasions.

– NCA NewsWire

Wallabies young gun wants revenge

Queensland Reds halfback Tate McDermott is desperate for redemption after Saturday evening's historic loss at ANZ Stadium.

McDermott made his Test debut during Australia's embarrassing 43-5 defeat in Sydney, with the All Blacks securing their 18th consecutive Bledisloe Cup title.

“I’m not going to come out and say I had a blinder, because I didn’t," McDermott said on Monday.

“It was a good start for me just because I got a few touches on the ball, but we’ve got a lot to work on as a team.

“I’m not sure if I’m playing (this weekend), but if I was to be selected it would be unreal … I’m going to be buzzing.

“I’ve got my whole family up there … it’s going to be an awesome night for anyone involved, particularly if you’re a Queenslander.”

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Australia will face New Zealand in Bledisloe IV on Saturday evening in Brisbane, with kick-off scheduled for 7:45pm AEDT.

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The Melbourne Cup is set to commence at 3pm AEDT.

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Ironically, the previous Queensland tweaker to achieve the feat was chief selector Trevor Hohns, who was watching on from the boundary.

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The 29-year-old was stood down by his NRL club in February 2019 after he was accused of five serious sexual assault offences.

He is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in the company of another man in the bedroom of a unit in North Wollongong in December 2018.

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De Belin played 157 games for the Dragons after making his NRL debut in 2011.

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On Tuesday morning AEDT, the Super League club confirmed their application to re-enter the competition next year had not been approved.

"The club shares the obvious disappointment of our players, staff, sponsor and partners, as well as incredible fans, at today’s decision," the clubs said in a statement.

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Speaking on Fox Footy’s Trading Day, Ralph explained why Geelong were eager to snare the 27-year-old.

“Right now they’re in the middle of thinking to themselves, ‘Do we just walk away from this? Or do we give up multiple first-round picks for this player?’” Ralph said.

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The blunder denied the 22-year-old a chance to snare his maiden points in the F1.

Russell posted to Instagram: "I'll never forget this day, this mistake. I'll learn from it, be stronger for it. I'm so sorry, to the whole team. No excuses."

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