Watson’s departure has left captain Michael Clarke desperately short of experience in the team. PHOTO: AFP
Australia vice captain Shane Watson hit back at Cricket Australia (CA) general manager Pat Howard’s remarks that the allrounder was only ‘sometimes’ a team player, according to Sky Sports.
Howard had earlier stated that the door was still open for Watson to play Tests after he returned home following his axing from their next India match. However, he implied that the cricketer should start toeing the line where team spirit was concerned.
Watson, who is currently considering his future in Tests, said others in the team could answer the implication better than him.
“All I can really say is, go around and ask every person I’ve ever played cricket with and that will give you the best indication of whether I’m a team man or not,” said Watson.
He went on to express that while he believed he was in the wrong, the punishment inflicted on him was too harsh.
“They (the leadership group) obviously thought that was the right decision for the team at this point in time. I accept that I did the wrong thing with what I did, but I will always find it very hard to accept being suspended from a Test match for my country.
“I’ve missed Test matches and games through injury throughout my career. I feel like I’ve worked hard to have an opportunity to represent my country.
“I think it’s extremely harsh. I expressed my extreme disappointment with the punishment. But everything happens for a reason in your life.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 13th, 2013.
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