Watson claims Oz squad 'really excited' to have 'experienced leader' Clarke around

Sydney, Feb 07 : Australian swashbuckling all-rounder Shane Watson has claimed that the team is really excited to have 'experienced' Michael Clarke around, as the skipper is in a battle to meet his fitness deadline to take part in the World Cup.

It is understood that Clarke sought and received iron-clad support to continue a four-year reign as captain from Cricket Australia's hierarchy during the grim stages of his rehabilitation from hamstring surgery.

Steve Smith's spectacular impact as skipper, making three tons in as many Tests against India replacing Clarke, was followed by speculation segments of the side supported a permanent move, News. com. au reported.

However, Watson, who is not always viewed as close to Clarke, broke his silence on the leadership situation and said that it is absolutely very important for a leader to make sure that he feels comfortable leading the group and added that everyone is really excited to have the skipper around.

Watson claimed that as a leader Clarke is always great, reads the game incredibly well and is just very experienced as well, so he added that all those experiences bring a great package.

Clarke has been in a bullish mood since making his competitive comeback against Bangladesh on Thursday in Brisbane.

The skipper stamped his authority on joining the one-day squad in Adelaide ahead of Sunday's practice match against India and is upbeat about meeting a February 21 return deadline against Bangladesh at the Gabba.

Watson noted that Australia needed Clarke's big-game experience and guise are crucial to clinching a World Cup trophy.

Watson said that he knows everyone's very confident that Clarke would be right to play the second game so it is only a great thing to have his calibre as a batsman but also his experience in big tournaments as well. He added that it would be very important for them. (ANI)