'Still an absolute gun': Watson ton lights up internet

Veteran Shane Watson has reminded the cricket world of his destructive force with the bat after notching a superb century in the Big Bash.

The Sydney Thunder captain was in supreme touch as he bludgeoned 100 runs (off 62 balls) to help his side set a solid 4-186 against the Brisbane Heat on Thursday night.

A clean-hitting Watson smoked his first Big Bash century at his old home ground to leave the Gabba crowd stunned.

The 37-year-old turned back the clock as he toyed with some inconsistent Heat bowling on his way to the cracking century.

Dropped on 33, Watson then did as he pleased in a brutal maiden BBL century that featured six sixes and eight boundaries.

He took to Afghan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman (1-33 from four overs) and erratic quick Brendan Doggett (1-31 from three) in particular, racing from 50 to 100 in just 24 balls.

The former Queensland and Australian allrounder brought up the milestone in the 18th over but was dismissed on the next ball he faced.

Fans and players such as Glenn Maxwell were left in awe at Watson’s brutal batting display.

Sydney had raced to 1-105 after 12 overs with Anton Devcich (26 from 25) putting on 58 with Watson for the first wicket.

Heat debutant Jack Prestwidge (0-14 from two) was one the Heat’s tidiest bowlers and would’ve had Watson’s wicket if Max Bryant had held onto the sharp chance at point.

Watson’s efforts ended up counting for nothing after a blackout in the area affected some of the stadium’s floodlights.

Fans attempted to light up the pitch with their smartphones as the players patiently awaited a resolution to the problem.

But the decision was eventually taken to call off the fixture, with the Heat three overs into their run chase at 2-10, following the dismissals of Brendon McCullum (2) and Chris Lynn (4).