Shane Watson has retired from Test cricket effective immediately after being ruled out of the one-day series in England.

The luckless allrounder picked up a calf injury in Saturday’s controversial win over England at Lord’s and will miss the remainder of the series.

Watson, 34, will fly back to Australia out of London on Sunday evening.

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He debuted for Australia in 2005, scoring scoring 3731 runs at 35.19 and taking 75 wickets at 33.68.

“I’ve been through a lot of different waves of emotion about what is right for myself, my family and most importantly the team as well,” Watson said.

“Over the last couple of days there was a lot of clarity (for me) of what the right decision was. I just know that I’ve given everything I possibly can to get the best out of myself.

“I just know it’s the right time to move on. I don’t have that real fight in me, especially for Test cricket, knowing the lengths physically that I’d have to go through, mentally and technically as well, to be at my best in Test cricket, so I just know it’s the right time.”

Another injury, this time to his calf, has cut short his tour of England, and the Queensland-born Watson informed his team-mates the morning after Australia’s 64-run win in the second ODI at Lord’s.

Watson battled injury and loss of form throughout a decade-long career in the baggy green, but at his peak was one of Australia’s best players.

With debate constantly raging as to his best position in the batting order, Watson found a home at the very top, winning back to back Allan Border Medals in 2010 and 2011 while opening the batting.

Congrats @ShaneRWatson33 on retirement. You deserve all the accolades that come your way. It’s been a pleasure to be a part of you career.

— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) September 6, 2015

Coach Darren Lehmann paid tribute to Watson’s work ethic and leadership, as the Australian Test team prepares to rebuild without experienced heads Watson, Michael Clarke and Chris Rogers.

“He has been an outstanding contributor to the team on and off the field and a great thinker on the game as well as a hugely talented cricketer,” Lehmann said.

“Behind the scenes he has done so much work with our younger players and that has been something that has really impressed me.”

– with ABC, AAP