Aaron Finch Picks This Player as the Greatest Australian in IPL History
In a rapid-fire game, Aaron Finch named Shane Watson the best Australian to ever play in the IPL, ahead of legends like Warner and Warne. Watson scored 3,874 runs and took 92 wickets in 145 matches. He was MVP twice and played key roles in CSK’s 2018 and RR’s 2008 title wins.
When the spotlight turned to the greatest Australian to feature in the IPL, Aaron Finch gave a clear verdict: Shane Watson. Participating in ESPNcricinfo’s “This or That” challenge, Finch picked Watson over legends like David Warner and Shane Warne. Known for his consistency and impact, Watson played 145 IPL matches, scoring 3,874 runs at an average of 30.99 and a strike rate of 137.92.
His tally included four centuries and 21 fifties. Notably, he played a match-winning knock of 117* in the 2018 final for CSK. With the ball, he claimed 92 wickets with a best of 4/29 and was IPL’s first MVP in 2008 and again in 2013. Finch, who played for nine IPL teams and scored 1,631 runs in 92 matches, also favored other Australians like Travis Head, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Johnson in the rapid-fire round.
However, Watson edged out all others in the final pick. While Warner led SRH to a title in 2016 and Warne captained RR to glory in 2008, Finch emphasized Watson’s all-round contributions as the deciding factor. The debate highlights the rich legacy of Australian players in IPL history and Watson’s significant role in it.
Comments