Australian all-rounder Shane Watson hopes to put a spectacular display during the 2nd Test of the Australian series in Hyderabad going to start from February 2nd. After M S Dhoni went onto display his histrionics on the third day of the Chennai Test, scattering one Aussie bowler after another, Shane Watson found himself in a ‘should I, should I not’ situation. The dynamic all-rounder, who has offered to give up his bowling responsibilities for the time being, even toyed with the idea of bowling to the Team India captain. But he glanced at the bigger picture — that of protecting his body from breaking down.
“I certainly missed my bowling in Chennai, especially on the day when MS (Dhoni) started to take the game away from us. That’s the reason I love being an all-rounder, having that feeling that you can make an impact on the game, especially with the game slipping away,” Watson said.
“I missed that in Chennai. It reaffirmed in my mind that I am never ever going to give up my bowling. This (not bowling) is more a short-term (step) to get some continuity with my batting out there and also do strength and fitness work for next few months so that I can bowl later. And to give myself more chance to stay fitter for a longer period of time,” he added.
The 32-year-old talented cricketer said he would continue to show form with the bat. Does he feel additional pressure because he is not getting on with the ball? “In my mind, I have the intent to take on the bowlers. That’s actually what I am trying to do and I just need to spend a bit more time in the middle,” Watson informed.
An additional span of time is what he precisely requires. A No 4 batsman — he had opened the innings instead of an ill David Warner in the next dig — Watson batted for 53 minutes in each innings. The slot he is concentrating upon is generally reserved for the best. Michael Clarke is, by far, the most prolific batsman in this Aussie side. The fact that he bats at No 5 speaks volumes of the faith he has in Watson’s abilities.
India outclassed Australia in Chennai, but it would be overconfident to write them off just as yet. And Watson stressed on the fact that the side would remain to play its aggressive brand of cricket. “That’s when we are best as a team. We need to find a way to make sure we do play that brand of cricket. If we don’t, then we can’t be successful,” he said.
“We had our plans for bowling against Dhoni. When the ball doesn’t bounce as much as it does in Australia, MS’s technique is certainly equipped for wickets like Chennai and for wickets that are not bouncy. And he certainly showed why he is a world-class player. Hopefully, it will be someone in our team who can do that to the Indians in this game,” he included with a grin. Watson definitely hopes he will be that man to watch for in Hyderabad.
