Though his career took off with a bumpy start laden with injuries, sunny Australian cricketer, Shane Watson, is back. Not only did he break the world record for scoring the highest number of sixes during an ODI match this year, he also became an ambassador for international non-profit organisation Room to Read, which aims to break down literacy barriers for children in developing countries. He catches up with Alisha Haridasani to talk about balls and books.
Why do cricket players polish the balls the way they do?
Well, polishing balls is very important in order to give it swing (the way the ball curves). But, where you polish it, that’s just a case of what you see other people doing growing up. We just imitate players as young kids and you grow up doing that, then it just becomes natural. I’ve got no exact reason why we shine it where we do.
Do you use hotel gyms when you’re travelling?
When I’m travelling, I’m not exactly doing too much fitness but mainly trying to stay fresh for the next game or unwinding after a game. The most important thing is just feeling comfortable. A great hotel gym for me is one that feels like home, with a couple of bikes or treadmills, and a good sauna and spa is always a plus.
What are your travel essentials?
I like my sleep, so I carry my pillow with me just to make sure I will always get a good night’s sleep no matter what the bed is like. I always travel with a sleeping mask as well because when we check into a new hotel I don’t know whether its curtains will work. And, of course, my laptop, to keep in touch with my family.
What are your travel pet peeves?
Definitely slow internet.
What is your favourite city?
I can’t go past Sydney.
Why did you choose to be an ambassador for Room to Read?
The young people I have met from Room to Read have the same love and passion for cricket that I do, so it is nice to be able to bring the two things together and give these young people an opportunity in life. Hopefully, we can touch as many people’s lives as possible and provide them with a chance to benefit from some of the things that we have been lucky enough to have.
What is your favourite book?
Andre Agassi’s autobiography, Open, is particularly important for me because he speaks of things that I had to go through to be able to get the best out of myself as a professional cricketer.
