Clarke advises Oz youngsters to learn from Watson's 'team-first' approach in Perth Test

Australian captain Michael Clarke has hailed his former deputy Shane Watson's team-first approach in the Perth Test and described him as an example to young players.

Following the shambolic homework-gate scandal in India in March, Australian team performance manager Pat Howard had said that he believes Watson 'acts in the best interests of the team - sometimes' - and there was a perception out there that the much-maligned all rounder was a selfish cricketer

However, the Sydney Morning Herald reports that Clarke endorsed Watson's selfless attitude for having an impact on Australia's 3-0 Ashes win, saying that Watson's willingness to risk his wicket by blazing 73 runs from 40 balls in the second innings was a lesson to teammates as Australia strive for a return to No.1 in the Test rankings.

Stating that Watson had put the team first on that day in Perth, Clarke further said that the all-rounder knew Australia was trying to score as many runs as they could before their declaration and thus came out with his team-first approach.

Watson made a slow start to the series, but he has scored two centuries in four Tests to suggest Australia might have finally found their solution at No.3, the report added.