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Shane Watson has justified his exuberant celebration of Chris Gayle’s dismissal in Perth by saying he was baited by the captain. Watson was fined 15% of his match fee for his roaring celebration in the second-innings on Saturday and has been criticised for his behaviour, with Geoff Lawson likening it to a four-year-old’s tantrum.

“There was a bit of build up to it, so it’s always nice to get Chris Gayle out, he’s obviously one of the most devastating batsmen in the world at the moment,” Watson told AAP. “He definitely let me know that he was keen for me to come on to bowl leading up to that, so it was very nice to get him out first ball.

“That was the catalyst for me celebrating the way I did … I know there’s a line and I was extremely happy to get him out, I normally don’t celebrate to that extent when I get someone out. But when he baits me, talking about wanting me to come on to bowl to be able to take me down, it’s always very nice to get the upper hand.”

Gayle said Watson over-reacted but was happy “to move on and let bygones be bygones”. “Watson didn’t actually say anything to me,” Gayle wrote in his Daily Telegraph column. “He just kept screaming in my direction.

“He has a bit of a temper and is pretty emotional so he was probably just letting it all out. Each player is different and getting me out came at a crucial time in an important Test match. There is no doubt he over-reacted but I am prepared to move on and let bygones be bygones.”

Watson did admit his antics were over the top and they added to a busy Test for the match referee Chris Broad. Suliman Benn, the left-arm spinner, was banned for two ODIs for his exchanges with the fined Mitchell Johnson and Brad Haddin during Australia’s first innings.
Source:Cricket News

Image Source:Cricinfo

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