Watson says felt 'personally vindicated' for standing against 'degenerative state' of Oz team culture

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has said that he felt 'personally vindicated' for making a stand against the degenerative state of the Australian dressing room last year.

Watson was stood down for a Test in India for not handing in his homework last year and was reportedly referred to as a 'cancer' by captain Michael Clarke in documents tabled by sacked coach Mickey Arthur in court, although he openly disagreed with the punishment and how the team was being run.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Watson, who had later reportedly challenged Arthur over inconsistencies with his handling of disciplinary matters, said that the game got too much for him at times as he takes it very seriously, although he added that he has taken immense satisfaction for standing up for what he believed in.

Watson also said that there were times when he knew that he had to stand strong with his beliefs for the betterment of what he thought was to get the best out of the talent in the group, adding that his persevering had turned the team around in a way which he never expected.

Hailing current coach Darren Lehmann for fixing the mistakes made under Arthur's reign, Watson also said that Lehmann made him enjoy cricket again and reassured him that he was right to question the team's culture, after the all-rounder's relationship with Arthur deteoriated.

Watson came through the ranks in one of the golden eras for Australian cricket, and he now believes a new legacy has been created thanks to Lehmann's influence.