Michael Clarke lauds Shane Watson for leading by example

Clarke hails Watson's "team- first" approach

Sydney: Dec 19, 2013 

Australian captain Michael Clarke has hailed his former deputy Shane Watson”s team-first approach in the Perth Test and described him as an example to young players.

Following the shambolic homework-gate scandal in India in March, Australian team performance manager Pat Howard had said that he believes Watson ”acts in the best interests of the team – sometimes” – and there was a perception out there that the much-maligned all rounder was a selfish cricketer.

However, the Sydney Morning Herald reports that Clarke endorsed Watson”s selfless attitude for having an impact on Australia”s 3-0 Ashes win, saying that Watson”s willingness to risk his wicket by blazing 73 runs from 40 balls in the second innings was a lesson to teammates as Australia strive for a return to No.1 in the Test rankings.

Stating that Watson had put the team first on that day in Perth, Clarke further said that the all-rounder knew Australia was trying to score as many runs as they could before their declaration and thus came out with his team-first approach. Watson made a slow start to the series, but he has scored two centuries in four Tests to suggest Australia might have finally found their solution at No.3, the report added.