Watson shows support for Room to Read

Shane Watson believes that reading has had a huge impact on changing his attitude as a cricketer and has helped him deal with the challenges that he has faced in his professional career.

Watson, speaking at an event on Thursday in his role as an Ambassador for Room to Read, one of the ICC's social legacy partners for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, admitted that a love of books has helped him deal with some of the toughest moments in his career.

"It has been since I was 18 or 19 that I have really got into books, especially reading autobiographies of people from different walks of life and seeing how they overcome adversity. That is particularly important for me, as that is something that I had to go through to be able to get the best out of myself as a cricketer," said Watson.

"It is great to be able to broaden your horizons and that is something I wouldn't be able to get if I didn't read books.

"I do enjoy being able to read fiction books as well, but autobiographies and biographies are the main thing that I love as you are able to really learn about people's experiences. I enjoy reading about sports stars, but I also have enjoyed reading about rock stars, and people who have led really interesting lives and see how they have been able to overcome different aspects of their lives.

It is something that has really opened up my eyes to different parts of life and finding ways to get the best out of yourself."

Watson, in the build-up for Saturday's match against Sri Lanka, along with Tim Paine, spent an hour with children who have benefitted from the work of Room to Read.

Room to Read is seeking to transform the lives of millions of children across Asia and Africa by focusing on literacy and gender equality in education. Working in collaboration with local communities, partner organisations and governments, the charity aims to develop literacy skills and a habit of reading among primary school children. It also supports girls to complete secondary school with the relevant life skills to succeed in school and beyond.

Among the cricket-playing countries in which Room to Read publishes books, establishes libraries and builds schools are ICC Cricket World Cup hosts Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka.

"It has been great to see the young kids who have been touched by Room to Read. It is obviously such an important initiative to be able to try and reach out to as many kids as you can and develop their life skills. It is very special to see the children they have touched already," said Watson.

"The cross section of people that cricket reaches means that we are very lucky to be able to reach a lot of people and to promote the work Room to Read does. It is very special that we have the chance to impact people's lives away from cricket. The young people I have met from Room to Read have the same love and passion for cricket that I do so it is nice to be able to bring the two things together and give these young people an opportunity in life."

Watson admitted he was excited to be facing Sri Lanka on Saturday, particularly in Colombo.

"To be able to play a host nation in their own country at a World Cup is something very special and something that you don't get that many opportunities in your life to do. I know the atmosphere is going to be pretty amazing and I am hoping it will all come together for us on the day," he said.

With Watson the leading run scorer in ODI since 2009, runs have not been hard to come by for him, but with Reliance Life Insurance donating Indian Rs. 25,000 to Room to Read for every six hit during the tournament, there is added motivation for him to clear the ropes.

"It is always nice when you get a couple out of the middle. It is so important to provide opportunities for young people and so to know that 25,000 rupees are going to the children for every six I hit is a great thing and hopefully I will have a few more in me for the rest of this tournament," said Watson.