Clarke lauds Watson's team ethic

Cricket365
December 19, 2013

Captain Michael Clarke has lauded the selfless nature of all-rounder Shane Watson's century, which contributed to Australia's 150-run triumph – and insurmountable three-nil series lead – over England in the third Ashes Test in Perth.

Watson, recently accused of self-serving cricket and amid an alleged rift with Clarke, struck a quickfire century as the hosts pushed for a large declaration. The seamer later removed opener Michael Carberry, as the opposition slipped to an insufficient 353 all out.

"He knew we were trying to score as many runs as we could before our declaration and he put the team first, which is a great example to the young players that that's what we're trying to do in our team. It's good to see," said Clarke.

The skipper, meanwhile, lauded the collective effort of team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris and doctor Peter Brukner, who have consistently treated Clarke's chronic back injury and helped maintain the fitness of the injury-prone Ryan Harris.

"It has all contributed, there's no doubt about it. There's a lot of people who have played a part behind the scenes who don't receive too much credit, and bits and pieces of that all through Cricket Australia. So a lot of things have played a part in us performing the way we have and that's one of them," he added.

"Without Alex's help, I wouldn't have played as many Tests as I have, so I try to thank him as much as I can. Lots of guys in the team that are exactly the same. Him and Peter have done a fantastic job in looking after the current crop in making sure we're as fit as we can be leading up and getting through Test matches."

The fourth Test will get underway at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 26 December. The Sydney Cricket Ground will host the fifth and final match.