Published: Mar 28, 2016, 12:15 AM (IST)
Edited: Mar 28, 2016, 02:22 PM (IST)
Shane Watson in his final match for Australia showed his mettle with the bat and showcased his experience with the ball. He was Australia’s best all-round performer of the day. He was always an asset to Australia, but upon his return to the team in the last couple of months, he bows out with head held high. Watson had an excellent stint in the recently in the Big Bash League 2015-16. He was part of the Sydney Thunders, who lifted their maiden title and Watson was one of the reasons they won. He finished the tournament with 235 runs from 10 matches, average of 132.02. He also chipped in with 9 wickets at 8.15. FULL CRICKET SCORECARD: India vs Australia, Super 10 Group 2, Match 31 at Mohali
He did not stop right there. He was rightly picked for the T20 International (T20I) series against India, where he was again impressive. He slammed a stunning century at Sydney and was also economical with the ball. His efforts however could not prevent India from completing a clean sweep, but Watson was getting back to his best. He went to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where he played in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). His stay was cut short as he sustained an injury and had to fly back midway through the tournament due to an injury. But in his short stay, he managed to gobble up 194 runs at a stunning average of 116.16. FULL CRICKET UPDATES: India vs Australia, Super 10 Group 2, Match 31 at Mohali
The good thing about Watson is that he is capable of batting anywhere in the order. He was flexible with the ball too. He could take the new ball and also bowl a few quiet overs in the middle. He was completely a team player, who could dawn any role for the benefit of his team. It is this adaptability that Australia would miss sorely. Australia are not a complete T20I side by any stretch of imagination. They still have some way to go before they find their feet in the shortest format and the exit of Watson is another major blow to them. READ: Virat Kohli masterpiece takes India to semi-final of ICC T20 World Cup 2016 as hosts beat Australia by 6 wickets
Australia have invested in Mitchell Marsh in the last couple of years. He is still finding his feet in but has shown a few glimpses of his talent. He has just played a handful of T20Is and will find it difficult to fill Watson’s shoes. But in Watson, they had a reliable all-rounder, who was completely committed to the team’s cause and was the go to player for Australia in team of need. Australia will sorely miss his services of their most experienced player. Australia will have to chalk out a long term plan for themselves, if they are to become a force to be reckoned with in T20Is, just like they are in the other two formats.
(Pramod Ananth is a reporter at CricketCountry. He has represented Karnataka table tennis under-15, and is a hardcore supporter of Liverpool FC. His Twitter handle is @pramz)
