Resurgent Watson named Oz T20 captain

Cricket365
February 2, 2016

Australia have named veteran all-rounder Shane Watson as the captain of the T20 side for the third match against India, and he could be a viable alternative if Aaron Finch remains injured heading to the World Twenty20.

Watson, who has retired from Test cricket, recently said he though his time in the Aussie kit was done, and was delighted to be named captain for this game in Finch's absence, and possibly beyond.

Finch did his trouble hamstring more damage in the second T20, with India going on to win the series, and Usman Khawaja has been called up to replace him with the bat. Finch's scan results have yet to be revealed.

WAtson said on the CA website of his appointment: "It is an honour to be asked to lead the side on Sunday, although the circumstances are far from ideal.

"We may have lost the series but there is a great deal to play for with the ICC World Twenty20 coming up and you can be sure we will be determined to do well in Sydney."

Watson's resurgence came during the Big Bash League as he helped the Sydney Thunder to the title, with the help of the likes of Khawaja. But WAtson gave credit to mentor Jacques Kallis, the former South Africa all-rounder.

Watson added: "After being dropped from the one-day squad I knew my international days were probably nearly over, so it was nice to get that surprise and to get that call.

"I've been very lucky to have one of the best batters who has ever played the game in Jacques Kallis, who has helped me out with my batting, especially over the last month.

"Just working through a couple of technical things has had an incredible impact on my batting.

"It's only very simple things but when it feels like things are slightly out, the simple things can make such a huge difference."