David Warner calls Shane Watson a role model for kids

Shane Watson and David Warner during an ODI match in 2014

Australian opener David Warner called his friend and teammate, retiring all-rounder Shane Watson as a ‘role model’ for kids. Warner paid rich tribute to the broad-shouldered cricketer who announced his retirement from Test cricket on Sunday, bringing curtains to a decade-long career in which he featured in 59 test matches, scoring 3731 runs and taking 75 wickets. However, he will continue to play the crucial role of an all-rounder in the limited overs format.

Warner, who was ruled out of the ODI series against England, hailed Watson's career and said he was privileged to play alongside the all-rounder. "I've had the privilege of playing alongside him, I've learned a lot from Shane and he's definitely a role model for kids," Warner was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

"He has been unfortunate with injuries but he's had a great career, and he's always a guy who wears his heart on his sleeve and every time he goes out there for Australia, he wears that Baggy Green with pride and dignity.", he continued.

Hope Watson continues to play white ball cricket: Warner

Watson last featured in the first Ashes test against England in Cardiff, before being subsequently dropped for the remainder of the series. The stylish all-rounder was once considered to be one of Australia's most lethal weapons.

He was after all the number one all-rounder in the world, who could bowl with pace and accuracy and turn games single-handedly with the bat. But in the last two years, beginning with the 'Homework Gate' row in India and ending with a long time on the sidelines during the Ashes against England, his career has sharply turned downwards.

Added to that, a long struggle with various injuries throughout his test career made him realise that his body just couldn’t cope with all the effort needed to continue playing in all 3 formats.

"It has been a decision that hasn't come lightly, over the last month especially, I know it's the right time to move on and still hopefully play the shorter formats of the game, one-dayers and T20s.

“I don't have that real fight in me, especially for Test cricket knowing the lengths physically I have to go to, and mentally and technically as well, to be able to get back to my best again in Test cricket. I just know it's the right time," Watson had said on Sunday.

Warner added, "At the stage of his career where he's got a young family, he's got a lot of white-ball cricket still to play I think, and I hope he does keep playing white-ball cricket. He thinks he might have had to give up one form and that's Test cricket."