Shane Watson is enjoying sharing his knowledge as a senior player in the Australian team, but isn’t ready to listen to calls for him to be Michael Clarke’s successor as captain.
This week recently-retired Michael Hussey ignited debate over Australia’s captaincy by saying Watson is the prime candidate to take over from Clarke.
Clarke, whose chronic back troubles have cast doubt over his long-term plans in the game, is fighting to be fit for the opening Ashes Test at the Gabba on November 21.
The rise of George Bailey’s stock as a batsman and a leader on Australia’s one-day tour of India have led to speculation he had overtaken Watson, who stood down from the Test vice-captaincy in April to focus on his batting.
With his game and head in the right place, Watson feels he has plenty to offer the Australian team.
But while delighted to hear Hussey’s praise, and freely admitting he enjoys his role as a senior player with wisdom to share, captaincy seemed to be the furthest thing from Watson’s mind.
“I didn’t hear (Hussey’s comments) at all. But it’s always nice,” Watson told AAP.
“I’ve played a hell of a lot of cricket with Mike Hussey and we certainly do miss him as a player, but also around the group.
“For him to come out and say that means a lot to me because I did captain him a few times as well.
“But in the end, where my game is at at the moment I am really happy contributing the way I am as a player, with bat and ball, but also around the group as well.
“I feel I’ve played quite a bit of cricket now throughout my career.
“I do feel like I’ve got a fair bit to give the team that’s for sure.”
While Cricket Australia’s high performance manager Pat Howard famously critiqued Watson as “sometimes” a team player, his colleagues in India have raved about his leadership and wisdom.
Aaron Finch, Phil Hughes, Adam Voges and George Bailey have all explained how Watson has shared his knowledge of Indian conditions and players picked up during six years of playing in the IPL with the Rajasthan Royals.
“I have played a lot of cricket here especially against the Indian players, playing the IPL a lot and international against Indian players,” Watson said.
“I’ve certainly got an idea about what they do and what they’re trying to do but also the conditions as well.
“I’ve been trying to help out as much as I possibly can with the batters and the bowlers to give them an insight into the things that I’ve learnt after playing Indian teams so much.
“Hopefully it’s added some value in some way to be able to help the guys out in some way and give them the best opportunity to be able to perform like they have been.”