Constructive talks: Shane Watson. Photo: AP
Shane Watson says he has mended his relationship with high performance chief Pat Howard and spoken at length with team management as he rejoins his Australian teammates in India.
The vice-captain, stood down for the third Test for a breach of team discipline, flew out of Sydney on Monday afternoon, a week after arriving back home for the birth of his first child, and is due to land in India on Tuesday.
He could even lead Australia in the fourth Test, starting in Delhi on Friday, with captain Michael Clarke battling a back injury.
Watson's exit from Mohali eight days ago led to a public slanging match between the 31-year-old and Howard, the former Wallaby who is Australia's general manager of team performance.
Watson did not take kindly to Howard's comment that he acted in the best interests of the team ''sometimes'' or his suggestion that Watson and Clarke had ''issues'' they needed to sort out in their own relationship. Watson said at the time: ''Pat Howard doesn't particularly know me very well.''
Howard's suggestion last November that Watson was not in the country's top six batsmen also caused consternation.
Howard is also due to arrive in Delhi on Tuesday - he said he had always planned to be back in India during the fourth Test - but Watson said the pair had already thrashed out their differences.
''I have had a number of chats with Pat Howard over the last week and we are both now on the same page and are really looking forward to working together to get Australia to be the best team in the world,'' said Watson during a news conference at Sydney airport.
''I'm looking forward to getting around the boys again and concentrating on moving forward. I'm entirely committed to the team and being the best player I can be.''
In a Cricket Australia statement, Howard added: ''Shane and I have had a number of positive
conversations. I am glad to say that Shane will return from compassionate leave and rejoin the squad in India as the team prepares for the fourth Test in Delhi.''
While Watson's departure from India last week was chiefly to race home to be with his wife Lee, he was also upset about being stood down, saying the decision was ''very harsh''.
As he left Mohali, he indicated he would weigh up his Test future.
However, Clarke's deputy has also been on the phone with head coach Mickey Arthur and the captain since leaving, and has reinforced his commitment.
''I've had several constructive discussions with team management back in Mohali over the past few days,'' Watson said.
''We've spoken about how we are going to work together to move forward, as Australia attempts to climb back to the top of the ICC rankings. I've a burning ambition to be an Australian Test player for as long as I can be and help Australia win those big Test series as well as the big ICC tournaments.''
In the CA statement, Arthur added: ''It's been a big week for us all - both on and off the pitch. The whole Australian cricket team congratulates Lee and Shane on the safe arrival of baby Will.
''Covering all the bases while preparing for any Test match is key to both us and Shane's recommitment to the team in his chats with me this week have been really positive.
''We're looking forward to having Watto back and around the group.''
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