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.
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.