Published: Mar 04, 2015, 09:13 PM (IST)
Edited: Mar 04, 2015, 09:13 PM (IST)
Perth: Michael Clarke, the Australian captain, has said that it was a difficult decision to leave out Shane Watson in their ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 clash against Afghanistan at the WACA, Perth. Clarke however declined to comment on whether Watson will be a part of Australia’s XI in the coming games, saying that it was for the selectors to decide. With James Faulkner fit, the selectors decided to bench Watson, who has been struggling to convert his starts lately. Full Scorecard: Australia vs Afghanistan ICC Cricket World Cup 2015
Speaking to the media after the game, Clarke said, “That’s a question for the selectors. I can’t answer that. I’m sorry. I don’t know the answer to that.” But the Australian captain also said, “I thought Watson handled it really well. It’s obviously a tough decision for the selectors, but I thought the way he contributed still today, he had a really good hit in the nets today, so he’s been fantastic around the group all day.” ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: POINTS TABLE
Clarke also stressed on the point that all the 15 members of the squad have an important role to play in their World Cup campaign, “I’ve said before, it’s going to take all 15 of us to have success in this World Cup. I think the selectors have made pretty clear that that’s the XI they’ve picked for this opposition, and I’m sure they’ll do the same for Sri Lanka at the SCG. Whatever XI the selectors give me, my job is to get the best out of them, and I’m confident with every player in this squad. If they get an opportunity, they’ll grab it with both hands and they’ll help the team have success.” ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: SCHEDULE & MATCH DETAILS
Australia beat Afghanistan by 275 runs, which is the record margin for any World Cup game. With this victory, Australia seem to have brought their World Cup campaign back on track following a rained-off game and a defeat. ICC Cricket World Cup 2015: Complete Coverage
