Hurting Watson looking to avenge another blow

ADELAIDE: While Australia grieve over Phillip Hughes’ death, their determination to honour his memory can well lead to a resurgence from their current low. Playing for their departed team mate is the least they can do at Adelaide, the batsman’s adopted home ground.

All-rounder Shane Watson is among those in the national squad who was at the Sydney Cricket Ground when Hughes was felled by the Sean Abbott bouncer. On Sunday, he opened up to the media about his state of mind as well as his keenness to settle old scores when the series kicks off on Tuesday.

“I’m getting there, physically I feel ready to go,” Watson said. “There’s no doubt that mentally the last couple of days have been the most challenging of my career, trying to process everything that’s happened, having been there at the SCG when it happened. It’s been mentally challenging, but I’ll be ready for Tuesday.”

The Aussie players regrouped after Hughes’ funeral and the clear sign that they are getting their focus back is that they are talking up their aggressive brand of the game.

HARD BATTLES

The preparation has included counselling sessions and motivational talks, but the side would need little inspiration as far as avenging the 0-4 series rout in India in early 2013 is concerned. Watson, looking to establish himself again in the side after his latest injury problems, warned the hosts would be at their hostile best against India.

“We’ve played our best cricket when we are aggressive, that’s been the case ever since I’ve been involved in the Australian team. We are aggressive with bat and ball, but especially with the ball, as we were during the last Ashes series. That’s not going to change because that’s when we’re at our absolute best.”

For Watson in particular, the last India tour was nightmarish. He was one of the four players who were axed for the third Test for not completing team assignments.

“We know what we have to do to do well against the Indians. They hammered us in their conditions, so we have a lot to give back to them in our conditions. We need to make sure we start off well in that series and stay strong to make sure they feel a similar pain as we did over in India.”

Playing through pain is an unfamiliar situation for the team, so one is not sure what can trigger Australia to bring out their best. But there will be plenty of pride at play.

THE ALL-ROUNDER IS AMONG THOSE IN THE AUSTRALIA NATIONAL SQUAD WHO WAS AT THE SCG WHEN HUGHES WAS FELLED BY THE SEAN ABBOTT BOUNCER