Shane Watson to lead Australia in 3rd T20I, credits Jacques Kallis for revival in fortunes

34-year-old Shane Watson, who had recently put paid to his hopes of playing international cricket again, has been named the leader of the Australian team for Sunday’s T20I against India, the last match of the series.

With Steven Smith and David Warner already out of the 3^rd match because of ODI commitments, and T20 captain Aaron Finch ruled out with a hamstring injury, senior player Watson has been called upon to deputize.

This is not the first time Watson has stood in for regular captains of his country. His last captaincy stint came on the 2013 tour of India, when he filled in for Michael Clarke for the fourth Test in Delhi.

"It is an honour to be asked to lead the side on Sunday, although the circumstances are far from ideal," Watson told Cricket Australia.

"We may have lost the series but there is a great deal to play for with the ICC World Twenty20 coming up and you can be sure we will be determined to do well in Sydney."

Kallis helped me with batting: Watson

Watson retired from the Test format in September last year, but played an integral part in Sydney Thunder’s march to a maiden Big Bash league title. He posted consecutive half-centuries in the tournament, forcing selectors to consider his case again. He credited fellow all-rounder Jacques Kallis for the reversal in his fortunes.

"After being dropped from the one-day squad I knew my international days were probably nearly over, so it was nice to get that surprise and to get that call from (selector) Rod Marsh yesterday," Watson said at the time to Cricket Australia.

"I've been very lucky to have one of the best batters who has ever played the game in Jacques Kallis, who has helped me out with my batting, especially over the last month.

"Just working through a couple of technical things has had an incredible impact on my batting.

"It's only very simple things but when it feels like things are slightly out, the simple things can make such a huge difference."

Watson’s problems with lbws has not resurfaced in his international comeback in the India series, and he has been one of the better bowlers in the side. He has now been given the honour of leading his country yet again, albeit what has become almost a second-string side.