Watson hopes IPL experience to help in Tests
Friday, 26 September 2008
Shane Watson, the Australian allrounder, hopes his experience of Indian conditions during the IPL will help his case for selection to the XI for the Tests starting next month. Watson, who was the Man of the Series in the IPL, felt he could chip in with short spells of bowling, breaking partnerships and propping up the batting, reports Cricinfo.
He was picked over Andrew Symonds in the Test squad and backed by Ricky Ponting, who felt he could make his comeback in the first Test in Bangalore. "I have played some cricket in different Test grounds in India during the IPL and that should give me confidence", said Watson, who scored 472 runs and took 17 wickets for the Rajasthan Royals.
"What my bowling does give is a bit of impact, especially more so on the fourth and fifth day of a Test when I know I can come in, give it all I have got and have a bit of a crack."
Watson has played only three Tests so far because of injuries, to his shoulder and hamstring. He missed the 2006-07 Ashes and was replaced by Symonds, a situation now reversed after Symonds was dropped on disciplinary grounds. "It is amazing how things do change," Watson said. "I hope Andrew gets back because I love the way he plays and I know what he can give, but I have got to make the most of the opportunity."
He said the competition between India and Australia had intensified over the past series. "It has become the biggest challenge for Australian cricketers to play and win a series against India." He hoped the series would feature matches like last year's Sydney Test , that go down to the wire. "It was amazing for a Test match to be decided in the last 20 minutes of the fifth day."
He was picked over Andrew Symonds in the Test squad and backed by Ricky Ponting, who felt he could make his comeback in the first Test in Bangalore. "I have played some cricket in different Test grounds in India during the IPL and that should give me confidence", said Watson, who scored 472 runs and took 17 wickets for the Rajasthan Royals.
"What my bowling does give is a bit of impact, especially more so on the fourth and fifth day of a Test when I know I can come in, give it all I have got and have a bit of a crack."
Watson has played only three Tests so far because of injuries, to his shoulder and hamstring. He missed the 2006-07 Ashes and was replaced by Symonds, a situation now reversed after Symonds was dropped on disciplinary grounds. "It is amazing how things do change," Watson said. "I hope Andrew gets back because I love the way he plays and I know what he can give, but I have got to make the most of the opportunity."
He said the competition between India and Australia had intensified over the past series. "It has become the biggest challenge for Australian cricketers to play and win a series against India." He hoped the series would feature matches like last year's Sydney Test , that go down to the wire. "It was amazing for a Test match to be decided in the last 20 minutes of the fifth day."