Watson eager to learn from ‘hero’ Kallis

Australia

Australia all-rounder Shane Watson hopes his move from one Sydney side to the other will benefit him in the long run as he learns about the game and captaincy from Jacques Kallis and Mike Hussey.

Watson moved from the Sixers to the Thunder this Big Bash season, and hopes to do well enough to impress the Australia selectors when it comes to the World Twenty20 in India next year. He has retired from Test cricket.

Watson said of the South Africa legend: "It excited me to think [by joining the Thunder] it gave me a chance to play with Mike Hussey again but also Jacques Kallis. 

"He's been my hero throughout my career and it's tremendous to be able to play with him. 

"I want to learn from them [to help] me during the rest of my career but also for life after I finish playing. 

"I certainly want to stay in cricket, it's a game I love, it's giving me an incredible life and I'd like to be able to contribute to it even after I finish playing. 

"That means the more I can learn from these great players the more it'll help later on."

Watson is 34 but has no intention of giving up on a place at the World T20 in March, adding: "I know I just have to perform. 

"In the end I've been very fortunate throughout my career to play a lot of games for Australia, and all I'm focused about is getting the best out of myself in every single game for the Thunder and whatever happens, happens. 

"I know I've had a very good career and feel as though I still have a lot to contribute, so I've just got to do it."

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