COMMENT

ADMIRE him or dislike him, retiring international cricketer Shane Watson is one of Ipswich's best sporting products.

He'll declare his national career closed after Australia's current World T20 campaign ends in India.

Having retired from Test cricket after a disappointing Ashes series, Watto has surely been pondering his departure for some time.

However, it was fitting he announced his exit from all forms of the game on the same night another Ipswich great was on the field in a battle of a different kind.

As Allan "Alfie'' Langer was carrying the water and issuing instructions in the Broncos' epic golden point win over the Cowboys, Watson was showcasing his batting talents against Pakistan.

His brilliant 44 not out off 21 balls included some trademark sixes that highlighted why Watto is such a valuable player when at his best.

Watson has captained his country and displayed fine leadership skills when required. But sadly the Ipswich born and bred cricketer also had a fragile body that caused some people to question why selectors persisted with him for so long.

However, after 59 Tests, 190 one day internationals and nearly 60 T20 matches on the big stage, 34-year-old Watson can leave the game with his head held high.

Despite his ongoing battle with injury, he will go down in Australian cricket history as one of our finest allrounders.

Watto isn't seen much around Ipswich these days, at least in public.

Sydney is in home, where he shares it with wife Lee and a young family.

However, Watto used to regularly sneak home to help passionate cricket lover Les Kinnane at his junior coaching clinics.

The mere sight of Watson was enough to inspire any young cricketer. He was giving back to the kids, with the Shane Watson Cup now played for each season.

Another moment Watson shone in Ipswich was when he received the Keys to the City in 2011.

It was an occasion that recognised the dual Allan Border Medal winner's contribution to cricket and acknowledged him as one of Ipswich's most successful sportsmen.

Flanked by family and many friends at the Ipswich Turf Club, Watson told how grateful he was to grow up in Ipswich because it was a place kids can achieve their dreams.

Much like Alfie Langer often does, Watson displayed his incredible pride in Ipswich.