Photo: AFP and www.smh.com.au
What is going on over in India? Four Australian cricketers have been internally suspended from the next test for not submitting their “homework” on their thoughts regarding ways to improve Australia’s performance in the final two tests in India.
Sound a little harsh… Well in some quarters the answer is yes. The logic being that you cannot treat grown men like children. This is true to a certain extent, but there are also other life lessons to consider such as responsibility, respect, and team commitment. It comes as no shock to me that one of the cricketers suspended is Shane Watson. A cricketer whom I think believes in himself first and then the team second. Over the years Watson has shown glimpses of putting the team first but that was obviously a folly. This was confirmed by Pat Howard the general manager of team performance for Cricket Australia when he said "I know Shane reasonable well. I think he acts in the best interests of the team sometimes"
On hearing of his suspension, Watson has decided to fly back early for the birth of his first child. This event would have kept him out of the team for the fourth test which is understandable. However what is unacceptable by Watson is his decision to consider his future in the longest and best form of the game. Basically this makes Watson come across as a spoilt schoolboy who believes he is above the rules and when punishment is meted out in his direction he has a whine and then sits in the corner to sook.
Well “Watto” perhaps the decision has been made for you. As you come back from another injury setback that prevents you from bowling, the following question needs to be asked: “Are you in the best six batsmen in Australia to warrant your place in the current test line up?” To do this you need to find six batsmen that are better than Watson based on form. At the moment this is debatable and he may be saved by a lack of consistent form amongst Australian Batsmen.
But the other question that will be asked is "What do you bring to the role of Vice-Captain" and furthermore after this event "Should you retain that position given that you have clearly disobeyed team instructions"? In a situation where team unity was required you chose not to show leadership and provide input. Not a very responsible action!! If I may offer advice to Shane Watson, think long and hard about whether you want to play Test Cricket for Australia again, accept that if you do the Vice-Captain position may not be yours. This may go against your nature but you will have to place the team's values above your own.
It is quite possible that Shane Watson will decide to quit Test Cricket, then should he consider quitting all forms of the game and just play Twenty20 cricket like Shaun Tait. This may be a viable option for Watson, especially if one is not fully committed to representing their country and still wants to play their chosen sport.
