"The facilities at NSK are as good as anywhere else in the world" : Shane Watson

[MenInG]

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Shane Watson speaking to the press

"It was more of a Sarfaraz Ahmed's decision then mine - I hadnt bowled for 3-4 months even in training as last time I bowled I strained my calf"

"Mohammad Hasnain is an incredibly talented, an incredibly skillful young man"

"There is no question about it; To be able to bowl at the speed he does, and have the control he does as well is unheard of"

"As we saw tonight he is an incredibly special talent and there is no doubt that the Aussie guys will have their work cutout facing him as he bowls very good pace, he's got some good skills, he has a good change of pace as well so they will have to be at their game to play him well"

"The facilities at the NSK are as good as anywhere else in the world, so its very special to be able to play here"

"The Pakistan Australia series will be a big test for Australia and it will be a big challenge; Pakistan have some great fast-bowlers and have some world class batsman as well"

"Wahab only bowled one bouncer to me, whereas in Adelaide he bowled me 5"

"No doubt its always great to play against him and I have some amazing memories of playing against Wahab more because of the result at the end and not that period of time"

"I now know he bowls very fast, but I didnt know at that time until I faced him"

"If I had my time again, I wouldnt have sledged him when he was batting"

 

[trickyone]

One of the best game in PSL History with good crowd support...

 

[Junaid_ahmed]

"The Pakistan Australia series will be a big test for Australia and it will be a big challenge; Pakistan have some great fast-bowlers and have some world class batsman as wel"

During IPL Brett Lee started singing indian songs, Australian Cricketers are very smart.

 

[Pak Warrior]

Great to hear such positive comments from Watson. When your winning I guess it's easier to be positive.

Really hope we can be fit to host full PSL in pakistan soon. The crowd, atmosphere and competition is full on when playing in Pakistan

 

[Hawkeye]

Can't expect Watto to say the stadium is really bad.

Tbh, it needs a lot of work, and I hope PCB spends money on it. Plus the other stadiums.

Far from world class.

 

[Abdullah719]

Video added to OP. Interesting presser to be at. Nice guy Watto.

 

[babajee]

Video added to OP. Interesting presser to be at. Nice guy Watto.

Did you ask any questions

 

[Abdullah719]

Did you ask any questions

I wanted to ask about Hasnain but the other guy beat me to it

 

[mak36]

I wanted to ask about Hasnain but the other guy beat me to it

Should have asked him about Ahsan...

 

[Usman Chadda]

Wonderful to hear the genuine praise Husnain is getting from people actually involved in the PSL. From Waqar Younis to Shane Watson, speaks volumes for the young man's talent.

Pakistan has a potential world class talent here, and he should be taken of and not thrown away into the wilderness after one or two bad performances.

 

[MenInG]

Quetta’s Watson reflects on his batting, last over, atmosphere and match-winners


Karachi, 14 March 2019:

Former Australia all-rounder and World Cup winner Shane Watson is an excited man, having guided his Quetta Gladiators to the final of the HBL Pakistan Super League he hopes the elusive title comes their way.

Watson smashed a cracking 71 with five boundaries and half a dozen sixes off just 43 balls to steer his team to an imposing 186 for six before he defended 21 in the last over to give his team a 10-run win over arch-rivals Peshawar Zalmi in the Qualifier on Wednesday.

“It is really exciting,” said Watson. “That was something you had wished before the start of the tournament, you always wanted to get through to the final and give yourself a chance of winning the title.”

Quetta have been on the losing side in the final twice, losing to Islamabad United in 2016 and to Peshawar in 2017.

Watson said the group of players were skillful and that made the final spot possible.

“For me, it’s no surprise that we have been able to make it to the final because we have some match-winners in the team,” said Watson, who leads the run-chart with 423 runs in 11 matches.

Umar Akmal (277), Rilee Rossouw (256 in 11 matches) and Ahmed Shehzad (253 in seven matches) are the other batsmen who are supporting the batting.

Watson, who had not bowled since last year’s IPL in India, said the decision to bowl the last over came off well.

“I think it was more Sarfaraz’s decision than mine,” said Watson of the last over. “I have not bowled for a few months. I had strained my calf and that was reason I was not bowling and concentrating on my batting towards the end of my career.

“It worked up very well. You don’t have such nights when things go your way. Sohail Tanvir and Dwayne Bravo bowled well and it came down to me. It worked out well, but I am not sure that I will bowl another over again.”

Watson admitted he was a bit confused at the start.

“My strategy was what run-up I am gonna use. I had not marked up my run-up and I had a minute to warm up. The ball was reversing and that was my strength when I used to bowl normally. It just meant to be good for me,” said Watson who was hit for six by Kieron Pollard of the third ball before he bowled the West Indian next ball.

Watson said it was incredible to play before a passionate Karachi crowd.

“First of all, it’s incredibly special to be able to play in front of incredible atmosphere and fans. There is no question since I arrived in Karachi. The people are warm and welcoming, as I have experienced them whether they are in Australia or anywhere in the world.

“To be able to play in this atmosphere and I would cherish the opportunity.”

Watson said his confidence in batting is helping him, having notched fourth half-century this season.

“The boundary hitting is what I have done throughout my career. I want to stay at my best, we are playing at some good pitches and things are going my way at the moment. When your confidence is high, things go your way.”

Watson praised young fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain who took two wickets on Wednesday.

“Hasnain is an incredibly skillful young man. The ability to bowl so fast and have the control that he has, is unheard of. I have not seen someone of his age bowl so fast,” said Watson of the 18-year-old Quetta pacer, who has also has been selected in the Pakistan team for the ODI series against Australia starting next week.

“The control over his length and the swing is special. There is no doubt that the Aussie guys will have to work hard to work him out. He has got some good change of pace, so they have to be on their game.”

Watson also backed team-mate Umar, also was recalled to Pakistan team after two years.

“We have seen quite a bit of batting talent. Umar Akmal is one of the best and a skillful batsman, and some of the shots he has played are incredible. He is a match-winner and I am happy that he is back in the (Pakistan) team.

“You don't have so many match-winners and when you have got a match-winner like Umar Akmal, you have to play him.

“For me it was the most disappointing thing to see from afar is how someone’s fitness gets in the way of his skills. He can run between the wickets as long as he wants, he is a great fielder and can stand out in the heat and execute his skills, which are amazing and he can do it for long period of time.

“It happened back in Australia as well, we have got too far caught up in the fitness side of things when cricket is a skill base game. It’s not so many people who have got world-class skills, so we need to make sure that the world-class players are playing international cricket and are not reliant on a fitness test or how far they can run.

“For me that is absolutely ludicrous and if someone can execute his skills against the best then he has to be in the team.”

 

[KyoOne]

Quetta’s Watson reflects on his batting, last over, atmosphere and match-winners


Karachi, 14 March 2019:

Former Australia all-rounder and World Cup winner Shane Watson is an excited man, having guided his Quetta Gladiators to the final of the HBL Pakistan Super League he hopes the elusive title comes their way.

Watson smashed a cracking 71 with five boundaries and half a dozen sixes off just 43 balls to steer his team to an imposing 186 for six before he defended 21 in the last over to give his team a 10-run win over arch-rivals Peshawar Zalmi in the Qualifier on Wednesday.

“It is really exciting,” said Watson. “That was something you had wished before the start of the tournament, you always wanted to get through to the final and give yourself a chance of winning the title.”

Quetta have been on the losing side in the final twice, losing to Islamabad United in 2016 and to Peshawar in 2017.

Watson said the group of players were skillful and that made the final spot possible.

“For me, it’s no surprise that we have been able to make it to the final because we have some match-winners in the team,” said Watson, who leads the run-chart with 423 runs in 11 matches.

Umar Akmal (277), Rilee Rossouw (256 in 11 matches) and Ahmed Shehzad (253 in seven matches) are the other batsmen who are supporting the batting.

Watson, who had not bowled since last year’s IPL in India, said the decision to bowl the last over came off well.

“I think it was more Sarfaraz’s decision than mine,” said Watson of the last over. “I have not bowled for a few months. I had strained my calf and that was reason I was not bowling and concentrating on my batting towards the end of my career.

“It worked up very well. You don’t have such nights when things go your way. Sohail Tanvir and Dwayne Bravo bowled well and it came down to me. It worked out well, but I am not sure that I will bowl another over again.”

Watson admitted he was a bit confused at the start.

“My strategy was what run-up I am gonna use. I had not marked up my run-up and I had a minute to warm up. The ball was reversing and that was my strength when I used to bowl normally. It just meant to be good for me,” said Watson who was hit for six by Kieron Pollard of the third ball before he bowled the West Indian next ball.

Watson said it was incredible to play before a passionate Karachi crowd.

“First of all, it’s incredibly special to be able to play in front of incredible atmosphere and fans. There is no question since I arrived in Karachi. The people are warm and welcoming, as I have experienced them whether they are in Australia or anywhere in the world.

“To be able to play in this atmosphere and I would cherish the opportunity.”

Watson said his confidence in batting is helping him, having notched fourth half-century this season.

“The boundary hitting is what I have done throughout my career. I want to stay at my best, we are playing at some good pitches and things are going my way at the moment. When your confidence is high, things go your way.”

Watson praised young fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain who took two wickets on Wednesday.

“Hasnain is an incredibly skillful young man. The ability to bowl so fast and have the control that he has, is unheard of. I have not seen someone of his age bowl so fast,” said Watson of the 18-year-old Quetta pacer, who has also has been selected in the Pakistan team for the ODI series against Australia starting next week.

“The control over his length and the swing is special. There is no doubt that the Aussie guys will have to work hard to work him out. He has got some good change of pace, so they have to be on their game.”

Watson also backed team-mate Umar, also was recalled to Pakistan team after two years.

“We have seen quite a bit of batting talent. Umar Akmal is one of the best and a skillful batsman, and some of the shots he has played are incredible. He is a match-winner and I am happy that he is back in the (Pakistan) team.

“You don't have so many match-winners and when you have got a match-winner like Umar Akmal, you have to play him.

“For me it was the most disappointing thing to see from afar is how someone’s fitness gets in the way of his skills. He can run between the wickets as long as he wants, he is a great fielder and can stand out in the heat and execute his skills, which are amazing and he can do it for long period of time.

“It happened back in Australia as well, we have got too far caught up in the fitness side of things when cricket is a skill base game. It’s not so many people who have got world-class skills, so we need to make sure that the world-class players are playing international cricket and are not reliant on a fitness test or how far they can run.

“For me that is absolutely ludicrous and if someone can execute his skills against the best then he has to be in the team.”


View attachment 89488

Very strong comments on Umar Akmal, didnt expect them

 

[angrypathan]

Sure has a lot to say about Umar Akmal

 

[MenInG]

Sure has a lot to say about Umar Akmal

This could be some unfinished business from homeworkgate....rather than any real admiration for Umar Akmal!

 

[MenInG]

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Shane Watson, while recalling his experience of playing in Pakistan earlier this year, said: “I can't wait to come back to Pakistan and play in season five. I had an amazing experience in Karachi during the last HBL PSL.

“To be able to connect with the cricket-loving fans in Pakistan and experience Quetta Gladiators winning their first HBL PSL was an amazing experience and one of the highlights of my career.”

 

[saeed5646]

Shouldn't play for QG he has help them winning last year title .

Lahore qalandar should pick him who needs solid opener and his experience

 

[SensiblePakFan]

He's back inform just when quetta needed him.

 

[MenInG]

Shane Watson in his blog:


Make ‘The Cricket’ the Number 1 Priority

I know all too well that the quality of the cricket that is being played in the BBL is now behind some of the tournaments around the world. The Indian Premier League is the ultimate as it has all of India’s best players playing throughout the whole tournament as well as each team having 4 of the best players in the world complementing the local talent.

The Pakistan Super League is another tournament where the quality of the cricket that is played is seriously good. Each team has two fast bowlers of the class of Haris Rauf, each team has a quality spinner and a number of world class batsmen to round out the team. There are 4 overseas players and the quality of the overseas players are very impressive. Players like Chris Lynn, Fawad Ahmed, Dale Steyn, Alex Hales, Jason Roy, Tom Banton, James Vince, Ben Cutting, Colin Ingram, Imran Tahir and Ben Dunk are just to name a few.

The one thing that the IPL and PSL do is make the quality of the cricket, the product, the number one priority. They know that if this is of the highest quality possible, then the longevity of the tournament and the commercial growth and success will look after itself. Don’t get me wrong they have all of the bells and whistles as well, however the glitz and glamour goes on before and after the matches but very rarely does the entertainment affect the players ability to perform at their best.

This is where the BBL has really lost its way.

The quality of the cricket has been put on the back burner in the Big Bash and the entertainment gimmicks have been brought to the forefront.

https://www.t20stars.com/t20stars-blog/lets-save-our-beloved-game-before-its-too-late

 

[MenInG]

And the Chennai Super Kings, who are eyeing a fourth IPL crown and go level with the Mumbai Indians, have upped the intensity and are focussing on "scenario cricket."

And coach Stephen Fleming, who has been with the franchise since the inaugural season of the IPL was pleased with the way things have panned out so far and reserved special praise for Australian all-rounder Shane Watson.

Watson, whose last competitive game was in March during the Pakistan Super League (PSL), has knuckled down and got going without a hitch despite the hiatus. It was almost as if it was just yesterday that he held a bat. Watson's last innings before the break was a 66 he scored for the Quetta Gladiators against the Karachi Kings in Karachi.

"Watson looks in very good form," said Fleming as the Queenslander flayed it to all parts of the park at The Sevens Stadium.

The former New Zealand captain, who also played for the Chennai Super Kings in the inaugural season, said that Watson has come back refreshed and is raring to go from the winter break.

"He's wintered well in Sydney and has come out playing beautifully, to be honest. So. he's been in a winter slumber and he's awoken pretty well," the 47-year-old said.

Watson is 13th on the all-time list of run-getters in the IPL with 3,575 runs from 134 matches with four hundreds and 19 half-centuries. His highest score in the IPL is 117 not out.

Prior to joining the Chennai Super Kings, Watson, now 39, played for the Rajasthan Royals and the Royal Challengers Bangalore. He won the inaugural IPL title with the Royals in 2008.

Meanwhile, Fleming, who has overseen all three titles that the Chennai Super Kings have won in 2010, 2011 and 2018, said that the squad are grateful for the chance to play this season despite the Covid-19 pandemic and added that there was a lot of excitement in the group.

"For some of them, it has been a long time. And it is good, there is excitement in the group just being back playing and I think feeling grateful for the opportunity to play. It is obviously due to what's going on around the world. But it is nice when you get together and players aren't exhausted from campaigns. So, fully fit and ready to go," said Fleming, who played 111 Tests, 280 ODIs and five T20Is for New Zealand.

"Playing a little bit of scenario cricket. Six overs here and there, get used to the heat, get used to guys being on their feet, just get back into loving the game," he said about the simulation matches.

The Chennai Super Kings, runners-up in 2008, 2012, 2013, 2015 and last season, take on defending champions the Mumbai Indians in the tournament opener at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/ipl-2020-watson-has-awoken-from-winter-slumber-says-fleming

 

[MenInG]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-partner="tweetdeck"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Australian Cricketers’ Association CEO Todd Greenberg "Shane Watson provided great context, clarity and confidence for the tour of Pakistan and spoke to a number of the players" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvAUS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/SajSadiqCricket/status/1499999115089960960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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