Watson ready to visit Pakistan for Champions Trophy

Sydney, Jul 11 (UNI) Australian all-rounder Shane Watson is ready to visit Pakistan for the Champions Trophy despite the security fears being voiced by several players around the world.

''I'd go anywhere, I'd play anywhere,'' Watson was quoted as saying by 'The Australian'.

''I just want to play for my country, that's what I've worked so hard for. I've been through some up-and-down times over the last year, so I'd do anything to play for my country, so wherever I have to go I'll go,'' he added.

The 27-year-old, who has been dogged by injuries throughout his career, made a successful return to the Australian side during the West Indies tour and is in no mood to give up a chance of cementing his place in the team.

''It's just been so great to be part of the Australian team again. It's been an interesting last year and to be able to be here now, to be part of a winning team and to play a big role in it is something I wasn't expecting at all. I was expecting to be in England playing county cricket,'' Watson said.

The Queenslander stated that he was greatly benefitted by playing in the inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL). He opened the bowling for the Shane Warne-led Rajasthan Royals and was named as the man of the series for his 472-run and 17-wicket performances.

''We played a lot of cricket in six weeks, so physically it gave me a lot of confidence to know that I could get through a pretty tiring schedule,'' he said, ''I think it brought my whole game, every aspect, batting and bowling, to another level. It was a great time and my cricket improved a lot and that was my aim at the start of the tournament.'' UNI XC AB HT1558