By CricketCountry Staff
Australia skipper Michael Clarke has said that he won’t let any of his players miss international games, and if any player needs rest, he must work that out during breaks in the international schedule.
Published: Oct 16, 2011, 11:49 AM (IST)
Edited: Oct 16, 2011, 11:49 AM (IST)
Michael Clarke denied resting Shane Watson for any match on the South Africa tour © Getty Images
By CricketCountry Staff
Sydney: Oct 16, 2011
Australia skipper Michael Clarke has said that he won’t let any of his players miss international games and if any player needs rest, he must work that out during breaks in the international schedule.
Clarke’s deputy Shane Watson, qho was not given permission by Cricket Australia to bowl during the Champions League T20, returned in Australia colours helping his team to win the first T20 against South Africa, and was named Man-of-the-Match for his all-round performance.
The Australia captain has made it clear that Watson will not get rest during the ongoing South Africa tour.
Clarke said, ”No, I certainly won’t be resting him. The priorities are to represent your country and play for Australia. If any player needs a rest, they need to work that out during the IPL or over the Champions League and get that rest if they need it.”
“But, for me, this is our priority – to win every game we can for Australia and see Australian cricket continue to head in the right direction. If ‘Watto’s’ fully fit, he’ll be picked for the first one-dayer, he’ll be opening the batting and, hopefully, have a big hundred beside his name,” he said.
Australian players Watson, David Warner, Patrick Cummins, Steven Smith and Doug Bollinger, who are currently on the South Africa tour, took part in the CLT20.
Clarke, on the other hand, decided to take rest. “I missed the cricket on the weekend … to allow my body to recover. I guess [it’s] the same reasons I didn’t go over to the Champions League. I think my body needed some time off, and my mind as well, some time away from the ground. But I’m feeling fresh, I’m looking forward to getting over there and getting back into some one-dayers,” he was quoted by Sydney Morning Herald.
