The Ashes 2013: The characters - Shane Watson

Shane Watson

“He was outstanding – I haven’t seen a bloke down the other end hit the ball as well as that for a long time.” – Chris Rogers on his opening partner Shane Watson after they looked a formidable pair against Worcestershire.

Shane Watson’s ability in the shorter format of the game is proven. He has the unique ability that very few batsman have had in the history of cricket: he can hit the ball hard without losing his shape.

He has the technical aptitude to be a Test batsman as he likes to play straight, has all the shots in his book, can adapt to different surfaces and plays pace and spin with equal elan. It is difficult to see why he has not made a bigger contribution to Australia in the longer format of the game in the last few years.

He could have slipped into an Ashes team with his current ability ten years ago and join the likes of Hayden, Langer and Ponting. He would be in the company of greats and he would fit in.

He missed his chance in 2006-07 when he sustained an injury ahead of the first match and was replaced by Michael Clarke. In the situation that he finds himself now, he has to take up the responsibility of scoring a bulk of the runs for his side.

Watson has received a boost ahead of the most important series for his personal career in the appointment of Darren Lehmann. His relationship with Mickey Arthur was considered strained, and he was one of the four players who were suspended during the tour to India earlier this year when he failed to submit some sort of ‘homework assignment’.

Lehmann is a great admirer of Watson’s abilities and has worked with him before. He has already indicated that Watson will open the batting for the Australian team, and be a useful fifth bowler for the team.

Lehmann said, “Watson will open in the Test series, there’s no dramas for me at all. He’s been up and down the batting order, but his most success has been as an opener. We hope he gets a big score here for us tomorrow, and see how we go.”

Watson can be a huge threat at the head of the batting order as he has the ability to negotiate with the new ball but he can also switch gears to dismiss any loose deliveries. His ability to counter attack matches the aggressive role that Kevin Pietersen has for the English side.

Watson will benefit from the pairing with Rogers who is an experienced campaigner who knows English conditions. Rogers will virtually play the role of player-coach in this side and has already expressed his admiration for the raw ability of Shane Watson and has, more importantly, outlined areas where he needs to work harder.

Rogers pointed out that Shane Watson needs to work on his concentration in order to be able to play a big innings that can set up a victory for Australia. He commented upon the communication they shared in the middle against Worcestershire. He said,”I was trying to drive him. Only because he was in many respects far better than their attack but his challenge is to bat for long periods of time, which he certainly has the skill and the temperament to do. It’s up to him now. Hopefully if I get the chance I can help with that a little bit as well.”

Australia need someone to take the burden along with Nathan Lyon in a situation when the likes of Pattinson and Starc need a rest. He has the knack of breaking a partnership and is no mean challenger with the ball in his hand. If the conditions suit his style of bowling, he can derive movement in the air and off the pitch. It will be interesting to see with what frequency Clarke uses him.

Watson’s the player for Australia in many senses. He is the kind of player who can set up a win for the side with a big innings and he must score in the range 550-600 runs in the five-match series for Australia to have any chance of giving England a tough time in their own backyard.