Shane Watson named as ICC World Twenty20 2012 player of the tournament

Australia all-rounder Shane Watson was today named as the player of the tournament at the conclusion of the ICC World Twenty20 Sri Lanka 2012 at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Watson was the unanimous choice of the select group of experts* following his sensational form that helped guide his side to the semi-final stage of the tournament before it was knocked out by West Indies. The 31-year-old batted six innings in the tournament, scoring a total of 249 runs at an average of 49.80.

He also took 11 wickets at an average of 16.00 and an economy-rate of 7.33 with his extremely useful medium pace bowling.

Watson, who collected his trophy at the post-match presentation said: “Although we didn’t quite reach our team goal of winning this tournament, on a personal note it’s an honour to be named as the ICC World Twenty20 2012 player of the tournament.

“To be recognised for your achievements is always a nice feeling but I certainly know it would have felt a lot better if we had also been able to lift the trophy.

“Going into the tournament I knew that if we could get our batting innings off to a good start it would hold us in good shape and it was nice that I could put on a few partnerships with Dave Warner and Mike Hussey and to pick up a few wickets and play a role with the ball was great too.

“As an all-rounder you always strive to have the perfect performance with bat and ball in one game so to be able to do this in a few matches was extremely satisfying.

“Our goal was to win the tournament and take the one ICC trophy we’re yet to win back to Australia, but it wasn’t to be this time around. We’re already looking forward to another crack at it in 2014.”