Watson finds T10 concept ‘very interesting’

Former Australia cricketer Shane Watson and the hero of Chennai Super Kings’ comeback in the IPL this year will lead The Karachians in the T10 league.

The 37-year-old Watson smashed two hundreds for Chennai Super Kings in the IPL this year.

 

Former Australia all-rounder Shane Watson, who will be leading The Karachians in the second edition of the T10 league, believes the condensed format would help popularise cricket even more.

The Karachi franchise roped in Watson as their icon player in the tournament that will start from November 23 in the United Arab Emirates.

“I had spoken to some of the players who took part in the league last season, and they gave me some really positive feedback about the league. Just like how T20 cricket revolutionised the sport and honed the skills of a player, I think this innovation shall also bring about a positive impact on the sport and grow fan bases across the globe,” Watson was quoted as saying in a media release.

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The second edition will also feature T20 superstars Darren Sammy, Brendon McCullum, Andre Russell, Rashid Khan and Chris Lynn to name a few.

The T10 format is the latest inclusion in the international calendar and Watson is of the opinion that it may take time for the shortest format to gain steam. “There’s already a lot of cricket going on currently so I don’t think the format will immediately make it to the international scheme of things, but having said that I think the T10 concept is very interesting and there’s always a space for introducing a new format to the sport to make it more interesting,” he added.

 

The eight-team league will be spread over eight days in the UAE.

Watson backs India to do well in Australia

Watson also backed India to do well in Australia later this year despite its series defeat in England.

"It is not easy to play swing bowling. Trust me when Australia travel to England for Ashes next year, it won’t be easy for them also. England is the only place where the ball swings that much primarily due to conditions. You just can’t land in England once every three years and be successful.

"I don’t think any international team is playing swing bowling well these days and that is reflective in the performance on overseas tours," he said.

“In Australia, the Kookaburra will stop swinging after first 10 or may be 15 overs, unlike Dukes, which can swing all day. I don’t think bounce would be that much of a problem," Watson added.

(With inputs from PTI)