Good team performance: Watson
First Published : 26 Feb 2012, 17:53
Last Modified : 26 Feb 2012, 17:53
Sydney, Feb 26: Australia became the first team to book their place in the CB Series finals thanks to their 87-run win over India in Sydney. David Warner and Shane Watson were the stars for the home side as the visitors made heavy weather of a modest target of 253. Watson was all smiles as he won his first game as Australia skipper while Man-of-the-Match Warner was relieved to get some runs on the board.
Excerpts from the post-match presentation:
Australia skipper Shane Watson
On his debut as captain
It was a very nice start. I was very nervous going into today, not knowing what to expect from a personal perspective—coming back [from injury] in my first game. It all worked out really well. It was a really good team performance in the end.
On rotating the bowlers
I was just trying to get the overs and the ends right. In the end, wickets fell at appropriate times when we were looking for them. I suppose I was just looking to get an impact whenever I possibly could.
On whether he enjoyed captaining the side
It’s a great challenge, mentally, to be able to think about the game in a different way. It’s great for my development as a cricketer as well.
On David Hussey being given not out after getting his hand in the way of a throw
In the end it looked like he [David Hussey] was just protecting himself. I’ve got absolute faith in Simon Taufel and Billy Bowden, so in the end whichever decision they made, it was always going to be the right one.
On Australia booking their place in the CB Series finals
We needed a big game to ensure that we qualified for the finals, especially it being my first game back and my first game as captain.
Man-of-the-Match David Warner
On feeling downbeat before this match
Yeah, I needed some runs under the belt and it was crucial for us to win today. I backed myself as usual and got some runs today before [I played] a lazy shot—a bit of a brain explosion.
On playing at the SCG
I love it. You always get a big crowd here, especially against the Indians it’s fantastic because you don’t really know who’s the home side.
On taking a more measured approach today
The key for me is that if I get my defence right, then the shots will come. If I keep playing my way, hopefully in Melbourne I can keep it going.
On Sachin Tendulkar’s run out
When I came here I thought I haven’t had a run out this season and tonight I did and it was Sachin [Tendulkar]!
