'Faulkner the best finisher with the bat' - Watson
Shane Watson recalls his World Cup memories and picks his impact players
Daniel Brettig
09-Feb-2015
Shane Watson: "To see Adam Gilchrist go absolutely bananas after he didn't have the best tournament leading up to that final was pretty amazing." • AFP
What is your first World Cup memory?
The home World Cup in 1992. That really stands out. The interesting uniforms the teams had with the colours on the shoulders, also watching the final and seeing Wasim Akram bowl those couple of incredible balls to change the game.
The home World Cup in 1992. That really stands out. The interesting uniforms the teams had with the colours on the shoulders, also watching the final and seeing Wasim Akram bowl those couple of incredible balls to change the game.
Who will be the breakthrough player in this World Cup?
Steven Smith.
Steven Smith.
Who's the best death bowler you've seen?
Lasith Malinga. For his consistency, where he hits his yorkers all the time in all the tournaments he's played, it's pretty incredible to watch but not so much fun to face!
Lasith Malinga. For his consistency, where he hits his yorkers all the time in all the tournaments he's played, it's pretty incredible to watch but not so much fun to face!
Who is the best finisher with the bat?
I'd say Jimmy Faulkner. He's done it consistently for the last 18 months under a lot of pressure, he's got it done just about every single time. So for me Jimmy by quite a long way.
I'd say Jimmy Faulkner. He's done it consistently for the last 18 months under a lot of pressure, he's got it done just about every single time. So for me Jimmy by quite a long way.
When is the best time to take the batting Powerplay?
A lot of it depends on the conditions but on good wickets with two new balls, 35 overs is usually a perfect time. In slower conditions, where the ball's going to turn a bit more and get a little bit older, the earlier the better.
A lot of it depends on the conditions but on good wickets with two new balls, 35 overs is usually a perfect time. In slower conditions, where the ball's going to turn a bit more and get a little bit older, the earlier the better.
The best World Cup match you've watched or played in?
The 2007 World Cup final against Sri Lanka. To see Adam Gilchrist go absolutely bananas after he didn't have the best tournament leading up to that final, on such a big stage, was pretty amazing.
The 2007 World Cup final against Sri Lanka. To see Adam Gilchrist go absolutely bananas after he didn't have the best tournament leading up to that final, on such a big stage, was pretty amazing.
Have you ever had a proper job?
Yeah I was a pizza delivery boy when I was 18. I actually trashed my car one night when I was trying to find the street numbers in the dark.
Yeah I was a pizza delivery boy when I was 18. I actually trashed my car one night when I was trying to find the street numbers in the dark.
Who will Australia play in the World Cup final?
South Africa.
South Africa.
Daniel Brettig is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo. @danbrettig