Vice-captain Shane Watson will rejoin his team-mates in India in time for the fourth Test Source: News Limited
SHANE Watson has been officially named Australia's 44th Test captain after Michael Clarke withdrew this morning with a back injury for the fourth Test against India starting today.
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Clarke gave himself until match morning to determine his fitness but ultimately pulled the pin as anticipated - paving the way for Watson to achieve his dream of leading Australia.
He becomes the first Queensland-born Australian captain since Bill Brown in the first Test v NZ in 1946 and the first born and raised Queenslander ever to get the job.
And it caps a rollercoaster fortnight for Watson, who celebrated the birth of his son Will just days after being axed for the third Test for failing to take part in a performance review.
He had instant success as skipper, winning the toss today and opting to bat first on a dusty Delhi deck.
MATCH CENTRE: Fourth Test, Australia v India
“Michael and Mickey talked to me about it when I first arrived back here in India,” Watson said.
“It was always going to be touch-and-go for Michael to be able to play.
“I mentally started preparing from there.
“I am really excited about the opportunity.
"It’s disappointing that Michael is not going to be fit for this Test match. His batting we are going to sorely miss, the amazing touch he is in at the moment and also his leadership skills as well.
“Hopefully I can fill the void in some way to help the team finish off on a good note.”
Watson acknowledged it has been an emotional period and that he has used the time off to weigh up his future after being dropped in Mohali.
“It has been a very up-and-down week emotionally,” he said. “To be stood down from a Test match hit me very hard and it’s been a great process over the week to get back into the team and contribute again.
“To have the opportunity to see the birth of my boy - I can never thank Mickey (Arthur, coach) and Michael especially for giving the opportunity to go home. It is the most amazing experience of my life.
“It’s amazing how if you get through the tough times some nice things come along.”
Trailing 3-0 in the series, the Australians have made five changes to the team that lost third Test.
Watson replaces Clarke, Brad Haddin makes way for Matt Wade, Mitchell Johnson fills in for the injured Mitchell Starc, Xavier Doherty has been axed for James Pattinson's return from suspension and Glenn Maxwell has squeezed out Moises Henriques.
That leaves the tourists with a three-man pace attack of Pattinson, Johnson and Peter Siddle, plus a two-man spin team of Nathan Lyon and Maxwell.
AUSTRALIA XI: Dave Warner, Ed Cowan, Phil Hughes, Shane Watson (c), Steve Smith, Matthew Wade, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, James Pattinson, Nathan Lyon.
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