Watson to play in Big Bash amid series against India
July 19th, 2011 - 1:25 pm ICT by IANSSydney, July 19 (IANS) Australian vice-captain Shane Watson Tuesday signed up with Sydney Sixers for the inaugural season of the Twenty20 Big Bash League (BBL) in December, meaning he will play for the franchise in between the Test series against India scheduled around the same time.
Watson’s decision to play in the BBL is in contrast to his Australian teammate Mitchell Johnson’s. He opted out of the event to fully focus on the international assignment, including the much-awaited contest with India. Their captain Michael Clarke is yet to take a call on his participation in the league.
“When Stuart (Clark, the Sixers’ general manager) rang me about joining the Sixers I was excited about the type of team that he was building and the quality group of players that he was putting together,” Watson was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
“It is great to be based at my favourite place in the world to play cricket, the Sydney Cricket Ground, and I hope that I can add something to the squad and be part of a winning culture.”
Clark, too, is excited about having Watson in the side.
“Shane is a quality cricketer and we are delighted that he has chosen to join the Sixers,” Clark said.
“He brings a combination of experience and class, and will help provide the leadership that will teach our younger players what it takes to win. He is a match-winner with both bat and ball, and a quality human being.”
- MacGill returns to cricket with Big Bash League - Dec 02, 2011
- Big Bash launch pales in comparison with IPL - Dec 17, 2011
- MacGill wants to play in IPL - Dec 26, 2011
- Clark stands down from full-time cricket for administrative role - May 18, 2011
- Clarke opts out of Big Bash to concentrate on Tests - Jul 22, 2011
- Clarke, Johnson still undecided on Big Bash - Jul 10, 2011
- "I'm not going to be the new Ricky Ponting", says new Australian captain Clarke - Mar 30, 2011
- Veteran Hogg recalled to Australia's Twenty20 squad - Jan 23, 2012
- Ponting, Watson carry Aussie hopes of fourth consecutive World Cup win: Clark - Feb 19, 2011
- Clark to choose between playing and heading new Sydney Big Bash franchise - May 02, 2011
- Australia drop Starc, Christian from 11 for Boxing Day Test - Dec 24, 2011
- Preparation for Test series against India will be ideal: Ponting - Dec 17, 2011
- Morkel promises to take up challenge to Warner - Oct 12, 2011
- Ponting axed from Australia's ODI squad, Watson returns - Feb 20, 2012
- Sans Zaheer, India's bowling attack will be in trouble: Clarke - Dec 23, 2011
Tags: bat and ball, bbl, captain michael, cricketer, favourite place, franchise, inaugural season, international assignment, match, michael clarke, mitchell johnson, participation, quality group, quality human, shane watson, sixers, sydney cricket ground, teammate, test series, vice captain