If ever a precedent needed to be set as to what should be the priority for a cricket-playing nation, Cricket Australia has done it. The board’s decision to summon all-rounder Shane Watson back to Australia midway through the Champions League T20 so that he can prepare for the real deal, the Tests against South Africa, deserves kudos, and is worthy of imitation. Unlike the Indian cricket board, CA is aware of the dangers posed to their cricketers by playing excessive games, and hence has done the right thing by calling back Watson, so that he can be fit and raring to go for the Tests against the Proteas.
It wouldn’t have been an easy decision for CA. For sure, there would have been pressure put on the Australian board to let Watson play on since he is one of the big crowd pullers in the tournament. CA, however, took the right decision by sticking to their guns, and proving how much Australian cricket means to them. The organisers are bound to feel aggrieved for sure, but they must also understand the simple logic that playing for the country is paramount. Everything else comes after that.
One also wonders how Watson would be feeling. If he believes that he has been hard done by, then the all-rounder is probably playing the game for the wrong reasons. Yes, it’s great to know that a lot of money has flown into the game over the years. However, it is also a fact that the moolah has been generated because the sport has become so popular. And, while Test cricket might not be a priority for some cricketers, logically speaking the game has become richer because of the five-day game. If the longest version of the sport wasn’t invented, the shorter ones wouldn’t have followed. In short, each and every player should be thankful to Test cricket for making them rich.
Even though some might consider CA’s decision to ask Watson to return to Australia unprofessional, the board has given valid and comprehensible reasons for the same. Everyone is aware that the all-rounder is as prone to injury as an ant is to get trampled under an elephant. He has missed numerous major series’ before owing to career-threatening injuries. In fact, he was away for most of last season, as Australia defeated India 4-0 at home with the help of lesser known fast bowlers, who did a great job nonetheless. Under the circumstances then, it is understandable why CA want Watson back home as soon as possible.
Another valid point is the fact that batting for five overs and bowling 24 deliveries cannot prepare you for the rigours of a Test series. That can only happen if players take part in domestic matches that last for longer durations. It will not only keep the cricketers fit, but also aid the team management in figuring out who’s in good nick and who’s not. CA has taken a bold but consummate step. Let’s see if other boards have the guts to follow suit.
--By A Cricket Analyst
