Hope to continue good form: Watson
First Published : 29 Sep 2012, 00:16
Last Modified : 29 Sep 2012, 00:16
Colombo, Sep 28: Australia got off to a roaring start in the Super Eights with a thumping nine-wicket victory against India. The Watson-Warner duo mercilessly smashed the ball all around the park as Australia cruised to the finish line in the 15th over.
Man-of-the-Match, Shane Watson, credited his opening partner David Warner for his role in the partnership. Even skipper George Bailey expressed his satisfaction on the all-round performance of the team during the presentation ceremony.
Excerpts from Watson and Bailey’s interviews:
Shane Watson:
On getting three consecutive Man-of-the-Match awards
Yes, the last couple of games have been pretty good. It is nice that things are coming together in couple of games in a row and hopefully I can continue that in the few more games in this tournament.
On whether he enjoys batting more than bowling
Probably the batting is more enjoyable. When it is two of you against 11 in the oppositions it is a bit more satisfying, I suppose. But it is just great to be an all-rounder and be a part of the game and have some impact on the game one way or the other.
On whether the rain helped Australia
I haven’t thought too much about it to be honest. In the end it is just what happens really. […] We bowled the last couple of overs with a wet outfield as well. So, it works both ways I suppose.
You just got to try and make most of the situation out there.
On opening with David Warner and their explosive partnership
I got off to a pretty slow start; but it is brilliant to bat with Davy as it takes a bit of pressure off me because that’s the way it is. With the rain coming we have to try and stay ahead of the Duckworth-Lewis [equation]. So, that sort of kept me going.
On his batting
I think I am lucky. I have got a very good bat and it helps when you have a good bat. […] Hopefully, I can continue a bit longer.
On the banter on the field
It is the way we are playing. They are very much up for the game and up for the contest. […] We are going to be up for the game as well. […]
The Indian players will put it behind and they will make sure they bring a good game together in next couple of games.
George Bailey:
On the impressive win
Absolutely fantastic performance from Watto [Shane Watson] and Davy [David] Warner; but there was also really good bowling.
On the seamers’ performance in conditions that were expected to suit spinners
Patty [Pat Cummins] was outstanding. It was his best performance in the tournament. […] They bounced back well and stuck to their plans really well. I was very pleased.
On the openers who made the win look easy
Yes, that is the beauty of those two players. When they are on, there are no two better batters, no two better hitters; and we saw that tonight.
On the outstanding performance by a team that was ranked No.9 coming into the tournament
Yes. Ranking doesn’t matter too much when you are playing in the World Cup. And to be honest as good as that win is when we meet South Africa next we are going to be ready to go as well.
