Birthday Special: Shane Watson’s top 5 performances in international cricket

Australia legend and veteran all-rounder Shane Watson was one of the most destructive batters during his time. The right-handed batter played several match-winning knocks for his side Australia. The veteran batter played a total of 307 matches for his country and amassed 10,950 runs in the international arena. As Watson turns 41, here are his top five performances in the international arena.

5. 176 vs England (2013)

Shane Watson absolutely belted the England bowling line-up during a Test match between the arch-rivals in 2013. The right-handed batter hammered 176 off 339 balls, hitting 25 fours and one six along the way. He came to the crease after his side was 11/1 but along with opening batter Chris Rogers bailed out his team from a tricky position.

4. 126 v India (2010)

Watson’s first overseas Test hundred came against India, in 2010. To note, it was the only instance when the veteran batter occupied the crease for the entire day. The right-handed batter was given few chances during his innings as he was dropped twice. Watson then applied himself on the crease and stroked an excellent hundred for his side.

3. 185* v Bangladesh (2011)

Watson’s highest ODI score came against Bangladesh as he stroked an unbeaten 185 runs in 2011. The interesting fact about that innings was that his team Australia was chasing a target of 230 runs and Watson scored 185 of those. He stroked 15 fours and as many sixes in the record innings.

2. 70 vs South Africa (2012)

The veteran batter carried his team throughout the group stage matches of the 2012 T20 World Cup as he top-scored in the first four group stage matches. Against South Africa, the right-handed batter again showed his batting prowess as he went on to score 70 runs and ensured that his side qualifies for the semi-final match of the tournament. However, the Men in Yellow lost their next encounter against West Indies and were knocked out of the tournament.

1. 124* v India (2016)

Captaining the side in the absence of a regular skipper, Watson was brutal against India in a T20I match played in Sydney. The right-handed batter stroked 124* runs in just 71 balls. As a result, the home side went on to score 197 runs in their allotted 20 overs but could not win the match.