Prospect of captaining Australia appeals Watson

Melbourne, Jan 30 (PTI) With Ricky Ponting''s illustriouscareer coming to a close, all-rounder Shane Watson has saidthat if offered he would gladly accept the role of Australiacaptain even as Michael Clarke and Cameroon White are also inthe running for the job.

Watson, who is being pushed forward as a candidate toreplace Ponting alongwith Clarke and White, said he wouldwould embrace the opportunity with open arms if it comes hisway.

"Of course it appeals (captaincy). It''s the greatesthonour in Australian cricket," said Watson, who has been oneof Australia''s best players in the disappointing Ashes seriesagainst England which they lost 1-3.

He, however, said that Australia were blessed to haveseveral leaders in the team and among them White is the best"prospect" to replace Ponting.

"Ricky Ponting has done a great job for the Australianteam, as has Michael Clarke," Watson was quoted as saying bythe Sydney Morning Herald.

"Cameron White has been outstanding with the Twenty20 inthe field, and his experience with Victoria makes him a greatleader. He''s a great prospect, Cameron White is a naturalleader," he added.

But the 29-year-old Watson, who has represented Australiain 27 Tests, 121 ODIs and 22 Twenty20 matches so far, said hisexperience holds him in good stead for the captaincy job.

"I''ve been lucky enough to be around some of the bestcricketers to have ever played for Australia. One thing I havealways done, and still do, is learn everything I can.

"I think with all I''ve been through, including injury,means I have a lot to offer people around me and to help themout...I believe I have a lot to give the group," he said. PTISSC