Really a dream come true to captain Australia: Watson

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Mar 22 2013 | 1:20 PM IST
Allrounder Shane Watson, who has been named Australia's stand-in skipper today, said that leading the national team is like a dream come true and admitted he was mentally preparing for the job as soon as he landed here for the fourth and final Test.
"It's really a dream come true to be asked to captain your country," Watson said.
After Michael Clarke was ruled out of the ongoing Test with a back spasm, Watson became the 44th Test captain of Australia.
"It's obviously very disappointing that Michael hasn't come up, his batting and leadership will certainly be sorely missed, but I'm looking forward to the challenge and responsibility over the next five days," Watson told ESPN cricinfo.
"Michael and Mickey talked to me about it when I first arrived back in India (from Sydney) so I knew it was always going to be touch and go with Michael to be at good fitness and able to play," the Queenslander said.
"I mentally started preparing from there knowing I could have the opportunity," the 32-year-old added.
Watson was amongst the four Australian players who were axed for the third Test in Mohali on disciplinary grounds and he then flew back to back home for the birth of his son.
"It has been a very up and down week emotionally. To be stood down from a Test match hit me very hard and it's been a great process over the week to get back into the team and contribute again.
"It's amazing how if you get through the tough times some nice things come along," he said.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Mar 22 2013 | 1:20 PM IST

Next Story