 | « Back to article | Print this article |
Is everything alright between Clarke and Watson?
While Shane Watson was focused on the training session ahead of the fourth and final Test here at the Feroz Shah Kotla, Michael Clarke was busy talking to coach Mickey Arthur.
Peeved at being dropped from the playing XI of the third Test in Mohali after not completing a presentation on team performance, Watson went back home as his wife was due to give birth to their first child.
Even though Watson was back in action during the training session, but what was eminently noticeable was the distinct lack of communication between Watson and captain Michael Clarke during the two and half hour session.
The skipper, who is suffering from back spasms, is a doubtful starter as he didn't take part in the training session but not for once did one find the two having a long chat with each other which normally a captain has with his deputy.
Possible differences between the two
Even during the customary net session, Clarke was having a session with the physio when Watson batted for around 35 minutes facing both pace and spin.
While Watson had a bit of discussion with Mickey Arthur, who instructed the spinners Glenn Maxwell and Xavier Doherty to bowl to a particular line, the vice-captain was engaged in a long chat with the young Steven Smith.
Clarke only dropped in at the adjacent net area only after Watson was done with his session.
There have been rumours of possible differences between the two but both have denied any fallout and maintained that they are good friends
'At the moment, Shane is not captain of the team'
While most of the Australian players were busy at the net area, Watson alone, with the assistant coach, was seen taking slip catches inside the main stadium.
When quizzed about the possibility of Watson leading the side, Aussie opener Ed Cowan was quick to say for now Clarke remains the captain.
"At the moment, Shane is not captain of the team," said Cowan.
"There are expectations that the vice-captain will step up if the captain is injured but Shane is a good player and a good leader," Cowan added.
Asked about what has changed in the dressing room from start of the Mohali Test and lead upto this match, Cowan replied, "The event in Mohali provided a bit of solidarity in the team.
"It proved that if you are in, you are in. And Shane has shown that he wants to be a part of it. The team is happy to have him back as he is one hell of a player."
Pattinson to replace Starc
The one who impressed the most during the session was tall fast bowler James Pattinson, who was seen working up a lot of pace as he unsettled the likes of David Warner and Phillip Hughes.
Pattinson, in all likelihood, will be coming in place of Mitchell Starc, who has flown back home to have ankle surgery.