Shane Watson will end his international career after the World Twenty20, signalling the end of an era in Australian cricket.

The tournament was expected to be Watson’s swansong and the 34-year-old has confirmed that is the case.

The allrounder, who was sold for a staggering $2 million in the recent Indian Premier League (IPL) auction, will continue to play T20 leagues around the world.

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Watson also reaffirmed his desire to become a coach.

But his international career, which started in 2002 and featured no shortage of highlights, angst and injuries, will end this weekend unless Australia progress to the World T20 semi-finals.

“One morning I woke up in Dharamsala to the beautiful view and I don’t know what it was exactly but I knew now was the right time,” Watson said on the eve of the side’s crucial clash with Pakistan.

The allrounder retired from Test cricket in the middle of 2015.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time being back in the Australian squad.

“But it is quite different, none of the other guys I played with growing up are here any more.

“I’ve made the right decision.”

Watson retired from Test cricket last year in England, bowing out alongside Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris and Chris Rogers.

Mitchell Johnson decided to fight on after the failed the Ashes campaign but only played two more Tests.

Watson was the only remaining link to an era that predated even Ricky Ponting’s captaincy.

“I know how privileged I’ve been to start out so young with so many incredible players,” the burly veteran said.

“My first tour was with Steve Waugh as captain of the Test squad.

“All these guys have seen Steve Waugh play but never had the fortune to play with him or be around a squad with him.

“That’s just one guy, let alone all the other legends I was fortunate enough to play with … it’s quite weird to think I’ve been playing for that long.”

Watson’s body let him down on too many occasions. Photo: AAP

Watson will finish as Australia’s most successful T20 star, having twice been crowned player of the series at the IPL and won the player of the tournament at the 2012 World T20.

Success in the Test arena was more sparse. Much was expected of Watson by captains, coaches, fans and pundits but he largely failed to consistently deliver.

Watson did however exceed his own expectations, given the fragile state of his body when he first burst onto the scene.

“I couldn’t really see the light with the all the injuries I had,” Watson admitted.

“Especially around 2006, 2007, I was certainly doubting myself because I just kept getting injured all the time.

“To be able to play at full capacity as an allrounder, those days seemed numbered.”

Watson nominated the 5-0 Ashes thumping in 2013-14 and last year’s World Cup win on home soil as career highlights.

“Hopefully there’s still one highlight to come, with us really hitting our straps over the next two games. Then once you get to the semis you never know what will happen,” he said.

-AAP