Shane Watson said that pacers Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma will play a major role in India's success Down Under © Getty Images
By CricketCountry Staff
Melbourne: Dec 10, 2011
Australia vice-captain Shane Watson revealed that the memories of the controversial 2008 series between India and Australia are dead and buried and fans and players are looking forward to an exciting and competitive series with extremely high quality cricket during the forthcoming series between the two teams Down Under starting December 26.
“What happened during the last tour was unfortunate, but a lot of time has passed since then. Australian fans will be really looking forward to a great summer of very exciting high quality cricket,” Watson said in an interview to MiD DAY.
“The rivalry has continued to grow in a big way over the last 10-20 years. The quality of cricket that is always played between Australia and India has meant that it is series that everyone -- players or fans --really look forward to.”
Even though bating holds the key, the burly all-rounder admitted that pacers Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma will play a major role in India's success against the Kangaroos.
“The Indian team is always extremely strong. They have so many world-class batsmen all of the way down their batting order and they have some very high quality bowlers that the Australian conditions will suit. I really think that Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma especially will play a huge part in India's success this summer, so hopefully we can reduce their effectiveness.”
Watson’s straight drives are drawing comparison with Sachin Tendulkar but the 30-year-old feels he should be compared to the master-blaster in any which ways.
“I will and should never be compared to Sachin in anyway. He is the master in every single way and I am just trying to be able to contribute consistently as well as I can. A big step for me will be turning my fifties into much bigger scores.”
Asked if he ever tried to clear the air with Gautam Gambhir after the incident in Delhi in 2008, Watson said: “I have got the utmost respect for Gautam as a player and a tough competitor. In the end, time heals all wounds.”
