Buchanan's temporary defection to England, which will coincide with an England Lions game against the Australians just before the first Test, was greeted without indignation in the Australian camp, with Watson believing the former national coach's presence will have little bearing on the Ashes result.
Though it will be strange to see Buchanan in the opposition dressing room, Watson said his appointment was a reality of modern cricket in which information flows freely around the world, and even suggested Australia would hold the advantage because of the presence of Troy Cooley, the bowling coach who helped the England quicks topple the Australians on English soil in 2005 and then returned to his native Australia.
"Coaches these days are able to coach around the world," Watson said. "For example, Troy [Cooley] and Rod Marsh were at the Australian cricket academy and then went over to help the English out. I think it's great for world cricket to be able to use the knowledge, and it can work both ways. We've got Troy to be able to make the most of the information he got from coaching the England [quicks].
"We've had two years with Tim Nielsen now and obviously John Buchanan has coached Kolkata and done some other things as well, so to me it's part of his job and what he is trying to do as a coach, to get around and help people out whether it's Australia-wide or internationally. He's got great experience so I think that's his call and we're lucky to have Troy on our side now."
Asked whether the Australians would be disappointed if Buchanan divulged information gleaned during his eight-year tenure as Australia's most successful coach, Watson said: "Not at all. There are no real secrets to what we do in the Australian team. It's just the way we prepare … I don't think it's rocket science, what he'll be able to give them, anyway."
Buchanan's assignment will focus predominantly on England's junior teams and the England Lions. He is expected to spend time at the academy in Loughborough and meet coach Andy Flower, but has hinted at an expansion of his role.
"It is my own business who I choose to talk to and what I talk about," Buchanan told Cricinfo. "Both myself and the ECB have indicated that in terms of their elite program I could fulfil a role. I will fly over on June 28, have a good look at the elite program, and sit down with them to see what potentially lies ahead.
"This trip will be largely about looking at the coaching programs, and working with the under-19s and the Lions team."
His most recent coaching triumphs with Australia were the 2006-07 Ashes whitewash and the 2007 World Cup triumph, but he remained affiliated with his home country until Cricket Australia did not renew a coaching ambassador's contract last year.
"John is free to do whatever he wants," said Brett Lee before Buchanan's role with the ECB was formalised.
Buchanan added: "I'm looking forward to the opportunity to get over there and look at the general set-up. I think it's fair to say that there has been a fair amount of interest from both parties and I suppose the situation will become clearer in early July."
Watson is hoping to force his way into the Test team through tour matches in Hove and Worcester, but there is intense competition for the No.6 spot after the successful debut of Marcus North in South Africa.
"It comes down to performing in the tour matches," Watson said. "That's what I am setting my mind to, to be in the best technical and mental state to give myself the best chance to perform in those games."
Source: www.smh.com.au
0 comments:
Post a Comment