T20 call up a ‘pleasant surprise’, says Watson

Conceding that the T20 call up against India came as a “pleasant surprise”, Australian all-rounder Shane Watson on Monday said his familiarity with Indian cricket through IPL helped him in reviving his faltering international career.

After being dropped from the ODI side post last year’s series against England, Watson had nearly given up hope on his international career, concentrating more on domestic T20 cricket like the Big Bash League. The 34-year-old batting all-rounder believes his performance for Sydney Thunder turned the tide in his favour.

“Yes, it came as a pleasant surprise to me. In the end it just came down to doing well for Sydney Thunder in BBL and whatever happened from there from the Aussie side of things, because after being dropped from the One-day side I knew my international days are nearly over, so nice to get that surprise and get the call from Rod Marsh yesterday,” he told reporters here. Asked whether he is eyeing the upcoming ICC World T20 in India, Watson said, “Yes, no doubt, that would be the next goal for sure. Being played in India and we haven’t played incredibly well there in the previous few tournaments. It really comes down to me playing well for the Thunder this week in the finals if we are able to get through depending on the result. So just enjoying the moment before those days get done.” Watson’s international career took off after being part of the Shane Warne-led Rajasthan Royals side which won the inaugural IPL edition in 2008. Since then he has been with the Rajasthan side till it was suspended this time around.

Watson admits that the IPL stint has played a big part in his return, especially before the T20 World Cup. “It’s nice to know that I have had lot of experience in India. Playing in the IPL and having some success as well.

That was always going to give me more of an opportunity to get picked but it comes down to performance, so lucky to have performed over the last couple of games,” he said. 

Having represented Australia in 190 ODIs, Watson is not too worried about his international future. 

“No, I am not worrying about that after having been picked for the T20 team. Having not being picked for the Aussie one-dayers, I have closed that chapter in career. Still got plenty of cricket to be played, my cricket in all the world leagues and playing for different franchises,” he replied.