Cricket: Watson to continue as opener says Clarke

Captain wants all-rounder to open the batting despite dip in form.

SYDNEY: Australia captain Michael Clarke has confirmed his deputy Shane Watson will continue to open the batting in South Africa, despite reports claiming the all-rounder was contemplating a move down the order to revive his form. 

The rigours of opening and bowling regularly seem to have affected Watson’s batting, with the right-hander managing just 85 runs in three Tests in last month’s series against Sri Lanka. Watson had reportedly said that moving down the order might suit the side, but his captain disagrees.

“My mind hasn’t changed since Sri Lanka,” said Clarke. “Right now, I think he’s best for the team opening the batting and that’s certainly where he’ll bat in South Africa.”

Meanwhile, New South Wales coach Anthony Stuart said that they would not bowl Watson in the ongoing Champions League Twenty20 after receiving a request from Cricket Australia. Australia play two Twenty20s, three One-Day Internationals and two Tests against South Africa this month.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 5^th, 2011.