Watson has been given a huge boost in morale after talking to Kallis

Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has admitted talking to South Africa veteran Jacques Kallis about how to master the pressure of being able to perform with the bat and ball every single game.

Watson met with Kallis during South Africa’s tour to Australia and learnt how he managed to keep himself fit and mentally strong to become one of the greatest all-rounders to ever play the game.

“I’ve been lucky enough to have a chat to Jacques in recent times about how he’s been able to manage his workload,” News.com.au quoted Watson as saying.

While Watson may have been allotted the task of being Australia’s all-rounder, his future in that position does not seem so bright at the moment since he tends to succumb to injuries extremely easily, which has sparked a debate amongst Cricket Australia and the rest of the team management about whether Watson should be allowed to bowl at all or whether he should solely concentrate on becoming a full-time batsman.

However, Watson truly believes he deserves to be called an all-rounder and stated that he was feeling much more confident after talking to Kallis.

“I’m certainly not comparing myself to him in any way, but it’s more so being an all-rounder,” Watson said. “It’s one thing we do have in common and it’s interesting to see how he gets the best out himself as an all-rounder for South Africa for such a long time.

“Jacques has always been unbelievably supportive of any all-rounder trying to ply what is a difficult trade. Mickey knows him well so I’m able to get a heads up about how he goes about his business.”