''Ricky Ponting has done a great job for the Australian team, as has Michael Clarke,'' he said. ''Cameron White has been outstanding with the Twenty20 in the field, and his experience with Victoria makes him a great leader. He's a great prospect, Cameron White is a natural leader.''

Watson, who has played 27 Tests, 121 one-dayers and 22 Twenty20 matches for his country, said the push for him to one day take over the helm might be a result of his being able to watch the likes of Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer and Glenn McGrath from close quarters.

''I've been lucky enough to be around some of the best cricketers to have ever played for Australia,'' he said. ''One thing I have always done, and still do, is learn everything I can. I think with all I've been through, including injury, means I have a lot to offer people around me and to help them out … I believe I have a lot to give the group.''

In a previous interview with The Sun-Herald Watson said he wanted to call upon his wealth of experiences - the good and bad - to help mould the culture of the future Australian side.

''It's something I don't take lightly,'' he told The Sun-Herald before last year's tour of India. ''It's not only for me but the [even] more senior group around the Australian team to really stamp the style of cricket we want to play and that it brings the success we want for them as well.''