The letter “W” is for Wonderful.  Until recently, more famously, it stood for Wonder Woman.  Not it is synonymous with Watson.  Wonderful Watson.  After years of struggles with injuries and undelivered promise, Watson has arrived.

Some of you have pointed out that I have been uncomplimentary of Watson and that I should eat humble pie.  Please allow me to clarify that I have been putting the boot into the selectors for picking Watson when one could question his merits.  I admit that Watson can only play when invited and do his best, which I’m sure he does.  His one major on-field slip up was his sending off of Chris Gayle.  That was woeful.

During my discussions about the logical flaws displayed by the selectors, I may have highlighted some of Watson’s short comings.  Perhaps they are still there – I don’t know that Australia is playing anything more than ordinary opposition.  However, the fact is that since his reselection, Watson has been the best performed Australian batsman.

In seven Tests, he has scored 716 runs at an average of 65.09.  Included in that are six half centuries and one precious century.  While his bowling was lacking during the Ashes, this summer, he has started to become a useful engine.  He is swinging the ball in the middle overs of the ball’s life, is economical and is taking wickets.

Watson has even found that there are ways to be dismissed aside from lbw and bowled.  He discovered run out when in his nineties, and that shows that Watson is not afraid to try new things, even when there is great cost involved.

And of course, he continues to be ever willing when a microphone is stuck in front of him.  Which is a good thing because we have found out the secret of this transformation:  Less bench presses and more Pilates.  Less brawn (but not necessarily more brain) and more flex. (http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/cricket/how-i-found-key-to-shane-watsons-body/story-e6frey50-1225814512222) 

Happy New Year to you all.  The irresistible Watson for the captaincy by the end of 2010.