Cricket World Cup 2015: Australian team rallies around Shane Watson after courageous innings

SHANE Watson has often been perceived as a lone wolf in the Australian team, but after his match-saving performance against Pakistan, the pack howled as one.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 20: Shane Watson celebrates victory during the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup match between Australian and Pakistan at Adelaide Oval on March 20, 2015 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Even for a individualistic sport like cricket, Shane Watson has often been perceived as a lone wolf in the Australian team.

But after his epic World Cup-saving performance against Pakistan in Adelaide, teammates gathered around Watson in the dressing rooms and howled at the moon as one.

The passionate all-rounder’s exaggerated screaming celebrations have become more regular of late and they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Watson salutes after notching a half century against Pakistan.

“Yeah, the boys got right around him as soon as he got to the change rooms and there was plenty of celebrating going on,” said Glenn Maxwell, the man who has shared two powerful partnerships with the all-rounder in two weeks.

“People were doing Watto impersonations — (which is) just screaming.”

For teammates who sat in the bunker and were mesmerised by Wahab Riaz’s ferocious spell, there was a groundswell of respect for Watson, who somehow managed to weather it.

Watson has scored higher and played more fluently many times before, but his unbeaten 64 was the most gutsy knock of his career.

Watson and Maxwell congratulate each other after guiding Australia to victory against Pakistan.

And courageous performances are always the most significant.

“His innings showed the true class he really is,” said Maxwell.

“Watto played absolutely beautifully. It was incredible to see the way he weathered the storm from Wahab, sort of curbed his natural aggression.

“The way he got through that and set it up for the rest of the middle order to finish off was outstanding. It was high-class, quality batting.

“It just shows his experience and how much it helped us last night.

“I remember saying at the start of the World Cup that he’s going to be an integral part of us winning this thing.

“If he’s playing well we’ve got a great chance of winning.”

Maxwell wasn’t the only teammate to say that.

Watson survived an incredible spell of bowling from Pakistan's Wahab Riaz.

When questions were being asked about Watson’s shabby form, Aaron Finch, Michael Clarke and George Bailey were among those to highlight his importance.

Watson averaged 145 in the 2007 World Cup, and 48 four years ago in India.

Once again, his class is coming to the fore when it counts.

“He’s hitting form at a beautiful time of the tournament,” said Maxwell.

“Hopefully he can keep doing it.”