Shane Watson has metamorphosed into arguably the most valuable player for Australia in the last couple of years. Currently in India with the New South Wales side for the Champions League Twenty20, the 30-year-old opens up about the Argus review, his role as vice-captain, struggle with injuries, and the controversies surrounding his autobiography, in an exclusive interview to The Hindu .
Excerpts
How does it feel being the vice-captain of Australia?
It's been great to combine with Michael Clarke to lead the Australian team into a new era. Michael's been doing an amazing job of bringing the team together and his captaincy skills were put on show during the Sri Lanka tour.
Your role in the team?
It was the role of an opener for a while but I am back to being a genuine all-rounder now. But the reason why I am in the team as an opener is to score runs. Bowling really is a bonus. In the end, it's about finding the balance that fits the team best.
You have come a long way since your injury-prone days.
It's been a huge learning curve. When you get injuries the easiest thing for people to do is to call you soft. I wouldn't say I have toughened up over the last couple of years. I have just been lucky to get the best out of my body.
Which was harder: the Ashes loss or the World Cup exit?
The Ashes loss was probably most devastating because plans had been put up in place for the three years leading up to it. Unfortunately we played pretty ordinarily. The World Cup was no doubt very disappointing. But India played very well in the quarterfinal against us.
Best recommendation put forth by the Argus committee?
I think all of it is great. The decisions from the Argus recommendations can only be for the improvement of Australian cricket so I am very excited about their implementation.
Qualities that you feel are vital for the new Australian coach?
(Thinks) Most importantly, coaching experience. The best coaches that I have been associated with find ways to get the best out of players. Tim Nielsen has done a brilliant job and has helped my cricket significantly. I don't think it matters whether it's a local coach or a foreign coach.
Quite a few cricketers in recent times have courted controversies with their books? Is your autobiography ‘Watto' heading in the same direction?
I hope not (laughs). The reason why I wrote the book is to give a perspective on the obstacles that I went through to turn around my issues with injury. It wasn't supposed to be controversial. Unfortunately, that's how it's been projected in Australia. Some of the inserts that have come out on the book are going to be controversial but that wasn't intended.
So, it's not a tell-all book?
Well, certain things are tell-all (laughs).
How has the India experience helped in the transition from a tearaway to a crafty reverse-swing exponent?
India has been a big part in my development as a cricketer. There's no doubt that the IPL in 2008 changed my life. I was able to see how the bowling has improved with a bit more reverse-swing, in Sri Lanka recently. Personally, I love coming to India. The people are great here.
Warne and Dravid.
Warnie's had a huge influence on my thinking as a cricketer. He's spoken a lot to me about attacking, about different ways of getting the batsman out. And this year, being able to talk to Rahul Dravid has been fantastic. He is one of the most impressive people I have ever met in my life.
With Warne's retirement, are you in line for Rajasthan Royals' captaincy?
I would love to captain the team but I am not sure of my availability over the next two years.
How do you unwind from the rigours of competitive cricket?
I love playing my guitar so that's always an easy way to unwind whenever I am on tour. The other great way to relax is to spend time with my family.
