Shane Watson quits as vice-captain of Australia – Cricket News Update
Australian batsman, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SR-Watson-c2558, has decided to step down from his role as vice-captain of the national team across all formats, in a bid to concentrate solely on his batting.
Watson, who is currently representing http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Clarke-c1978 before the team travels to England to contest in the Champions
Trophy and the coveted Ashes.
The former all-rounder had been earmarked as the successor to Clarke after being appointed as vice-captain in March 2011, following the end of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ricardo-Gouveia-c84824 Ponting’s leadership stint. However, it has not been easy sailing for the 31-year-old, who has struggled
for fitness and form over the past two years.
His last Test century came in 2010, and since that period he has featured in a bit part role for the national team in the longer version. He was further disciplined for breaking team protocol during the recently concluded Test series against India, and was
handed a one-match ban.
That forced him to reconsider his commitments with the national team but following the birth of his child; he returned back to the set-up and subsequently led the side in the fourth and final match in http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Clarke-c51120 was ruled out due to injury. However,
he failed to make an impact as the Aussies lost the match by six wickets and consequently the series by a 4-0 margin.
With him already relinquishing his bowling, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013.
"Making the decision to step down wasn't easy but it's something I've been thinking about since the Test series against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 ended," Watson said. "I think it's the right time for a change for both the team and me. I'll be honest and admit I wrestled with
the decision for some time, however once I made up my mind, I informed Cricket http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 so the selectors could consider their options for the Ashes given the squads will be announced soon. "
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