Shane Watson confronts World Cup ‘crunch time’

Shane Watson admitted he was facing “crunch time” with the bat as he battled to stay in Australia’s side ahead of their World Cup clash with co-hosts New Zealand.

In the midst of Australia’s thumping 111-run opening pool win over England in Melbourne, all-rounder Watson was dismissed by paceman Stuart Broad for a golden duck.

While it was generally acknowledged he had received a good delivery, his exit reignited the long-running debate about Watson’s worth to Australia, with many observers contending he is not a good enough batsman or bowler to hold down a place in the side.

The 33-year-old’s cause was not helped when Australia’s second Pool A game against Brisbane last weekend was washed out without a ball bowled and Watson’s World Cup could now depend on how he performs against New Zealand at Auckland’s Eden Park on Saturday -- if selected.