OTD | Legendary all-rounder Shane Watson was born

Australia’s Shane Watson will undoubtedly be listed among the top all-rounders in cricket history when a fan takes a moment to reflect on the subject. Watson, a right-handed batsman and right-handed fast-medium swing bowler from Queensland, was born on June 17, 1981. He holds the distinction of being the first Australian to record an international century in all three formats.

The Australian Cricket Academy offered a scholarship to “Watto,” as he is affectionately known. Although he began his domestic career with Tasmania, he later returned to play for Queensland, his home side. He was putting on excellent performances in the Pura Cup at the age of 20, and his efforts in Australia’s Pura Cup attracted the attention of selectors.

The all-around player made his ODI debut in 2002 at the Centurion against South Africa. He just managed two runs while bowling six overs without picking up a wicket. However, Australia defeated the opposition by a score of 45 runs. 

Shane Watson was a prime catalyst in Rajasthan Royals’ inaugural win in the IPL

Shane Watson still hadn’t demonstrated a masterclass performance that revealed his genuine potential four years after making his ODI debut. That changed, though, when he was moved up the order and partnered with wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist to begin Australia’s batting during the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy. Watson made a 50 in Australia’s win over India, which guaranteed their spot in the semi-finals, after failing in the first two games against the West Indies and England. He then got two wickets and scored 57 not out in the finals to cement the triumph.

Watson was allowed to play in Tests in 2005 as a result of his success in white-ball cricket, but he was severely injured and had to wait until the 2008–09 season to play the format consistently. Watto loved the T20 format because of his extraordinary success for Australia and the IPL, where his all-around abilities made him a household name.

In the first season of the IPL, the Australian duo of Shane Warne and Shane Watson wrote the fairytale run of the Rajasthan Royals. He was not only the team’s top run scorer, but he was also the Royals’ third-highest wicket-taker, which was important to the team’s success. IPL 2019 with the Chennai Super Kings was his last season in the lucrative T20 League