ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Shane Watson has silenced critics, believes Brett Lee

Sydney: Former Australian pacer Brett Lee believes all-rounder Shane Watson has finally answered his critics after playing a match-winning knock in Friday’s six-wicket ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 quarter final win over Pakistan.  Read: Highlights of Australia vs Pakistan ICC World Cup 2015 quarter-final

Watson remained not out on 64 as he ensured his team got over the line after being put under pressure while chasing 214. Lee also credited Watson for the innings as he successfully countered a hostile spell from Pakistani fast-bowler Wahab Riaz. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: SCHEDULE & MATCH DETAILS

Add Cricket Country as a Preferred Source

“I think he’s made plenty of people eat their words,” Lee was quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald Saturday.

“His batting (on Friday) night was one of the best innings I’ve seen under pressure. You need to realise Riaz was bowling serious pace and it was one of the best spells of fast bowling — especially from Pakistan — I’ve seen in a long time.  Top 10 batsmen in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

That pull shot he played off Riaz [the six] was the shot of the match. Yes, he was dropped [on four] but he [recovered to] provide a steady hand, all because he’s someone who has been in that situation many times before,” said Lee.  Top 10 bowlers in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

The 38-year-old said the experience of Watson could help Australia reclaim the quadrennial trophy.

“In Shane Watson we have a bloke who has played (185) One-Day Internationals (ODI) and his experience will help Australia go a long way to fulfilling it’s aim to win the World Cup. His innings against Pakistan was a mixture of guts and maturity.  Top 10 fielders in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

He steadied the ship because Australia was under pressure (at three for 59) when he came in.”

The winner of the 2003 and 2007 World Cup, Lee added Watson not only offers a lot with the willow and the ball, but he also works tirelessly off-the-field with the younger lot in the outfit. Top 10 wicketkeepers in ICC Cricket World Cup 2015

“He doesn’t just offer a lot with bat, ball and in the field, but behind the closed doors of the change rooms he works with the young guys as they come through.”

“Speak to the players about when they were young guys — Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Johnson and now Josh Hazlewood — and they’ll speak highly of Shane’s presence because he’s willing to pass on the lessons from his own experiences,” he said.