Playing in Champions League would not have taken toll on me: Watson

Sydney, Oct 19 (ANI): All rounder Shane Watson has said playing at the Champions League would not have a taken a toll on him, but he understands why Cricket Australia have sent him home early from the Twenty20 event.

Watson did not say what he would have done had the decision been his to make, but he accepts the ruling of CA’s team performance manager Pat Howard was in his best interests as far as next month’s Test series against South Africa is concerned.

“In regards to the summer it is [in my best interests], but not in regards to playing for the Sixers. Physically and mentally it wouldn’t have taken a toll at all,” Watson said after the Sydney Sixers booked a berth in the semi-finals.

“You do get brought up to play, that’s what you love doing, in the end you have to make the most of the time you do have to train and give yourself, especially with my history, the best chance physically of being ready as well.

“Having the week to freshen up, from that point of view, I should be raring to go. In the end, it’s disappointing to miss these games because it’s high-quality cricket that you’re playing and it is a lot of fun.”

Watson said there had been talks in the last six months between the Sixers and CA regarding his availability for the tournament.

Watson would not have arrived back in Australia until October 30, just days before lining up for New South Wales in a Shield game in Brisbane, if he played out the Champions League.

Instead, he will arrive back in Sydney on Saturday, allowing him to spend next week resting before he starts match practice in preparation for the first Test in Brisbane starting November 9. (ANI)