"I have spent six months in India this year. It's always nice to come here and perform as people love their cricket here. When I came here during the first IPL, I wasn't a part of the Australian team. My performances in the IPL got noticed and it helped me to establish myself at the international level," Watson told TOI on Monday.
He has been assigned a new role in this young Australian side. The 32-year-old, who has been opening for Australia over the last five years, is playing the enforcer at No. 3. "The No. 3 spot is a different challenge and so far I am enjoying it. I have watched how (Ricky) Ponting changed the approach of the No.3 batsman in the game. Earlier, batsmen who batted at No. 3 were supposed to be grafters. Ricky would often take on bowlers. I have also spoken to Rahul (Dravid) about this position and I am going to approach my new role my way. I want to make this spot my own," he said.
Australia have always believed in specialists and it's quite surprising to see all-rounders like Faulkner in the side. "Test cricket is a different ball game altogether. It's always good to have multi-utility players in the line up, but at the same time, you can't have bits and pieces cricketers. You need people who can do the job in different conditions. James is a very good bowler and his batting is a big positive for us," Watson said.
Australia may be struggling in whites, but there's no problem when they take the field in coloured clothing. "We played a hard-fought Test series in England, but as far as ODIs are concerned, we have been on top of the game. We did well in England and now here we are 2-1 up. We have got some exciting youngsters. Players like Finch, Hughes, Maxwell and Faulkner are exciting prospects and hopefully they will carry on the good work they have been doing."
With Sachin Tendulkar retiring next month, the tributes have been flowing for the master batsman. Watson too has admired Tendulkar as an opponent. "Sachin is definitely one of the greats of the game. I would have loved to share the dressing room with him like Mitchell (Johnson), but to watch him as an opponent was also a fantastic experience. It's amazing to play 200 Tests and have a career over two decades. I have spoken to Rahul about Sachin a lot. How he prepares for the game; how he approaches big matches; how he adapts to different conditions," the all-rounder said.
The hunt for the new No.4 will soon begin after Tendulkar's retirement. Watson feels his Rajasthan Royals teammate Ajinkya Rahane is capable of taking that spot. "India have some talented youngsters and Ajinkya is one of them. The kind of player he is, I am sure he will get his opportunities," Watson said.
0 comments:
Post a Comment