Shane Watson a great player and good leader, says Ed Cowan

Opening batsman Ed Cowan on Wednesday backed Shane Watson to lead Australia in the fourth and final Test against India starting on Friday if skipper Michael Clarke is unfit and also hoped the team would bounce back after three consecutive defeats.

An out-of-form Watson has been in the centre of controversy after he was sidelined for the third Test in Mohali along with three others over breach of discipline last week.

Watson was angry and left for home to be with his wife Lee, who delivered baby boy Will last Thursday. Watson, who left India contemplating retirement, however, returned in time to be with the team for the fourth Test starting here Friday.

Cowan said Watson is a "great player and a good leader."