Shane Watson, the all-rounder from Australia, was the Player of the Series in the Indian Premier League during the past season. He played for the Rajasthan Royals and grabbed 17 wickets while scoring 472 runs. Now, he is hoping that his experience of Indian conditions would result in him getting selected in the Australian team on the Indian tour.
Watson’s confidence
Watson said “I have played some cricket in different Test grounds in India during the IPL and that should give me confidence.” As Andrew Symonds was not selected in the Test squad for India, Watson was picked and his selection was endorsed by Ricky Ponting who is of the opinion that Watson could stage a comeback in the first Test at Bangalore. Watson feels that he would be able to bowl short but high-impact bowling spells and also shine in the batting. Watson commented “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. I know playing against the Indians here, it’s a good way to challenge them, physically and mentally.”
Watson’s past
Although Watson has been a part of the Australian set up for the previous six years, he has participated in only 3 Tests. The reason is that he had perpetual injuries, mainly to his shoulder and hamstring. He could not take part in the 2006-07 Ashes and was substituted by Symonds.