Shane Watson says his decision to step down as vice-captain was his alone.
Ex-Australian vice-captain Shane Watson says that his decision to step down from the role was not influenced by Cricket Australia.
Watson announced that he would no longer continue in the position on Saturday, with speculation gathering that he jumped before he was pushed.
With the first of two Ashes series’ starting in July it is said that the all-rounder quit as vice-captain before CA forced him out, but the 31-year-old says it was his decision and not influenced by anyone else.
“I haven’t felt pressure from the Cricket Australia hierarchy or anything like that at all,” Watson told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“It’s mainly just come down to me, knowing that there has to be a succession plan.
“What CA are looking for at the moment is a few future leaders of the Australian cricket team.”
Both Watson and captain Michael Clarke are 31 and with Clarke’s continuous injuries to his back there is talk that the skipper won’t be able to carry on with international cricket for the long term.
Therefore with Watson standing down there is now an opportunity for someone else to come in and prepare to take over from Clarke.
There has been call for the all-rounder to be removed from the Test side altogether after a disappointing two years in the five-day team.
Watson captained the side in Clarke’s absence during the fourth lost Test match against India, in a series that Australia lost 4-0 and the former vice-captain only averaged 16.50 with the bat.
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