Australia’s stand-in captain Shane Watson says his rocky relationships with coach Mickey Arthur and skipper Michael Clarke are now back on track.

Watson made a light-hearted reference to the homeworkgate drama on Sunday after leading Australia to a six-wicket loss on day three of the fourth Test against India in Delhi.

Watson was part of the Mohali four who were banned for one match by Arthur, Clarke and team manager Gavin Dovey for not completing a homework assignment on time.

Vice-captain Watson was furious, claiming his ban from the third Test in Mohali was harsh and saying he was considering his playing future.

However after being granted a few days of leave to return to Sydney for the birth of his first child, the 31-year-old returned refreshed and was handed the captaincy on Friday for the fourth Test due to Clarke’s back injury.

Cricket Australia’s high-performance chief Pat Howard was another key figure in the homeworkgate drama after labelling Watson a good team man “sometimes”.

Watson completed a forgettable series with the bat on Sunday, scoring 99 runs at 16.50 in five matches including 17 and five in Delhi.

But he was able to laugh after being asked about his relationships with Arthur and Clarke.

“It was a little bit rocky there for about a day,” Watson grinned at his post-match media conference.

“But after that things are very good thank-you.

“Michael (Clarke) and the leadership group had to make a decision.

“At the time I wasn’t very happy with the decision that was made but we’ve all sat down and had a great chat and we’ve all moved on and we’re really excited about the future that’s coming up.

“It has been a big shot in the arm for us to be able to galvanise the team.”

Watson said he had absolutely loved the captaincy role.

“Of course I’ll hand it back because Michael is the man,” Watson said.

“For the last three days I’ve had an absolute ball, being able to lead the guys.

“Whatever I asked of the team, everyone gave it absolutely everything.

“That’s all you can ask for.”