SPORTS

Watson credits IPL for success on Indian wickets

By Bikash Mohapatra
October 01, 2010

Shane Watson's love affair with India continued unabated on Friday.

Even as most of the Australian batsmen struggled to cope in not so favourable conditions – the visitors ending day one on 224 for five – Watson remained unbeaten on a defiant 101.

It was his second Test ton overall but his third inside a week.

The star of the opening edition of the Indian Premier League – in Rajasthan Royals' colours – had made back-to-back hundreds in the tour game against Board President's XI.

"To get a hundred in India is different from getting one in Australia," said Watson, referring to his debut ton against Pakistan at Melbourne.

"The scoring rate was unfortunately not as good (he took 279 balls)," he admitted, adding, "But I played the ball on merit and tried to rotate the strike."

Watson credited the IPL for his success on Indian wickets.

"The IPL has made me comfortable with the Indian surroundings," he said, adding, "I have amazing memories of the first edition."

The all-rounder viewed that it was all square after the opening day, but admitted it was a failure on Australia's part to fritter away a good start.

"From a successful day to begin with, it became more even towards the end," explained Watson. "I think it is evenly poised but after the last session India may say they have the advantage.

"We (him and Tim Paine) will have to start a partnership tomorrow to take the game away," he added.
Bikash Mohapatra in Mohali

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