Last Indian trip was a big learning curve: Watson

Mumbai:

Exciting Australian all rounder Shane Watson on Thursday credited his visit to India last October as a member of the Test team as one of the best things to have happened to his career and felt his game has come of age in the last six months.

"Last October's trip was one of the best chances I have had in my career, to have played in India on turning wickets and with the ball reversing," said the 28-year-old Queenslander here today.

"They were really strange conditions to what we are used to in Australia. I learnt so much on that tour. Unfortunately we did not get the result we wanted," Watson said about the visit that ended with Australia being beaten in the four-Test rubber.

"My game has come along especially in the last six months. I just want to continue (in the same vein) and perform," he said.

Watson, who is on a high after hitting back-to-back hundreds in the semi finals and the final of the Champions Trophy in South Africa and helping his country retain the coveted crown, said it took him some time to understand the intricacies of playing well in big games.

"I'm getting used to big games. I have been lucky enough to be involved in a few big games and develop strategy, momentum. It's been a big learning experience to me," the blond Aussie player said.

"I probably got a little bit over-excited in the 2007 World Cup semi final (that) we played against South Africa, probably did not understand what I wanted to do and what I wanted to execute," said Watson who has played 90 ODIs after making his debut in March, 2002.

"I am lucky now to get involved in a few good games so far. It takes a little while to understand where you have to be mentally and technically to be at your best in big games," he said.

Watson also pointed out that Australian skipper Ricky Ponting was the ideal man to learn from about how to go about in playing big games.

"We have one of the best in the business Ricky Ponting who has scored so many runs in the big games. He's a great guy to learn from," he said.

About the current visit, Watson felt it provides a very good chance for players not used to Indian conditions to get acclimatised especially with the 2011 World Cup coming up in the sub continent.

"It's a very important trip especially for the guys who have not been here before and played in Indian conditions.

The World Cup is in the subcontinent in 2011.

"We need to get used to the conditions, understand what our strengths are. The next couple of times we come here are a very big foundation for the 2011 World Cup," he said.

Australia are to make another visit next October for a seven match ODI series prior to the World Cup.