It's looks pretty ridiculous to have a coloured bat: Shane Watson

Shane Watson, the veteran all – rounder has backed his Sydney Thunder teammate Andre Russell to get back in form quickly but did not give his vote supporting the use of black bats, saying that he would prefer the nice plain old willow rather than using flashy colours.

“In the end, I know it’s a bit of a marketing tool but I think it looks pretty ridiculous having a coloured bat,” Thunder captain Watson said on Tuesday. “I prefer just to see a nice willow coloured bat compared to something painted black or green.” Watson won’t get his wish.

Russell recently created headlines with his Black blade on a pink handle which later created a controversy forcing the Cricket Australia to ban the use such bats. The officials raised concerns over the effect of the bat on the ball after they discovered it had marked the white ball in last week’s BBL Sydney derby. However, Russell was cleared to use his black bat again after making modifications to stop damage to the ball.

“A clear laminate cover has been applied to the bat which complies with regulations to ensure the ball discoloration does not occur again,” BBL boss Anthony Everard said.

“We’re now satisfied that the bat will not compromise the integrity of the game by discolouring the match ball and we have granted approval for Andre to use the bat in any future BBL matches.” Under BBL regulations, a player can use a coloured bat, subject to approval. It must be black or the same as the team’s primary colour.

Russell antics might have brought the limelight on him again but the star all-rounder is yet to make an impact the BBL this summer. He has made just 11 runs but has taken 3 wickets in the two games he has played so far.

However, Watson backed Russell to “go off”, preferably starting against Brisbane Heat at Spotless Stadium on Wednesday night.

“It hasn’t been exactly how it was at the start of the Big Bash last year. But the firepower that he has with bat and ball he can go off in any game. He’s showing great signs,” Watson said of Russell.