Watson continues his incredible rise

Shane Watson has continued his incredible rise in Australian cricket by being named vice-captain on Wednesday and a potential captain-in-waiting.

Barely two years since he was still trying to get his body right and establish a place in the side, Watson is now possibly the most valuable player in the national set-up.

On Wednesday, he was named Michael Clarke’s deputy in the Test and one-day sides, while he will also vice-captain the Twenty20 team behind Cameron White.

“It really has been an amazing couple of years,” he told a press conference alongside Clarke in Sydney.

“It’s something that I never really thought would be coming my way when I really struggled to get on the field.

“For things to come together now and to be the vice-captain of the Australian cricket team is still hard for me to get my head around.

“Just to play with the team and be able to contribute the way that I have is something I never thought would come about.

“I’m really excited about this new role.”

The litany of problems that included back stress fractures, hamstring strains, hip complaints, a dislocated shoulder and food poisoning now seem a distant memory for the burly 29-year-old.

He is entrenched at the top of the batting order and a valuable back-up paceman, giving selectors the all-rounder they desired ever since Andrew Flintoff destroyed the Australians in the 2005 Ashes series.

After winning the Allan Border Medal in 2010, Watson swept the board this year, winning the medal again along with the Test and one-day player of the year awards.

When asked if Watson was being groomed for higher honours, chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said: “People used to ask me that when Michael Clarke was vice-captain.

“I think my answer was obviously it is a process in becoming captain of Australia, but it’s also a very different role and I think it’s a very difficult role.

“It’s not a captain-in-waiting, it’s someone that has to support Michael and contribute to the leadership group at all times.

“But obviously we’re watching and hoping that Shane develops.

“The reality is Shane is such a good player he’s not going to play much domestic cricket so if he’s going to get his leadership skills up to another level, it has to be now and it has to be as vice-captain.”

Others such as Brad Haddin and Mike Hussey had been mentioned, but selectors felt they had the right men in Clarke and Watson.

Watson said his first assignment was with the bat.

“That’s my biggest task more than anything, more than the vice-captain, turning my fifties into some bigger scores,” he said.

“There’s no doubt I know that’s something I need to continue my development as a player.”

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