Shane Watson relishes Ashes opening role
29 Jun 2013 5:19 AM IST
Shane Watson is fired up by the prospect of opening for Australia in the upcoming Ashes series in England, the all-rounder said. Australia’s squad contains several openers but new coach Darren Lehmann has said he wants Watson at the top of the order.
Watson did his best to play himself into some sort of form with a rapid 90 (94 balls, 4x20) on the second day of Australia’s tour match against Somerset at Taunton.
After a rain-shortened day, Watson spoke of his delight at the vote of confidence he’d received from former Australia batsman Lehmann, brought in after South African Mickey Arthur was sacked just 16 days before the first Ashes Test at Trent Bridge starting 10 July.
‘It’s nice for me personally to know I have the backing of the coach and the opportunity to open is something I am very excited about. I didn’t know exactly what my role would be until Darren took over as coach. I had a few chats with Michael Clarke and Mickey Arthur about it, but there was no confirmation. Darren has been more definite about where he wants me to bat.’
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