da betsson： Shane Watson, who on Saturday helped Hampshire win the C&G Trophy final, was quick to deny speculation that he is on the verge of being called into Australia’s squad for the final Test at The Oval
da cassino online： Cricinfo staff03-Sep-2005
Shane Watson’s excellent form for Hampshire has increased speculation of his inclusion to Australia’s Test squad. © Getty Images
Fresh from his efforts in helping guide Hampshire to victory in the C&G Trophy final, Shane Watson was quick to deny speculation that he is on the verge of being called into Australia’s squad for the final Test at The Oval. His recent double-century in the Championship and impressive bowling are making a powerful case for his inclusion.”I haven’t heard anything, nothing,” Watson told reporters after the final. “I do think about getting my opportunity, especially when you see the way Andrew Flintoff has played this summer. I’m not in his class yet but hopefully I could a similar job.”However, even though Watson’s inclusion would mean a new balance to the Australian side, he jumped to the defence of their policy of playing four bowlers. “That’s why we’ve been so good over the last ten years. You’ve got Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath who have been bowling teams out for fun. But England are obviously batting very well and bowling well.”He said that although he would not want to get into the side throughsomeone’s injury, he is making sure he is ready if his moment does arrive.”You don’t want other players to get injured, but I have had my fair shareof misfortune with injuries so you never know what is around the corner.I’ve just got to try and continue improving my game and, if an opportunitydoes come up through injury or form, hopefully I will be right and at thetop of my game to perform well.”He added: “I’d love to be able to play in the fifth Test, it’s a massive game forAustralian cricket. I’d love to be a part of that but all I worry about istrying to perform well for Hampshire and see what happens from there.”Watson, who played during the one-day matches before the Ashes seriesbegan, said that England’s performances have come as no surprise. “Themost important thing, the reason why England have done so well, is thatthey have bowled Australia out.””Australia have been so good over the last ten years because the top orderhas been scoring runs all the time. The problem this series is that theyhave not been scoring consistently. England are bowling extremely well andunfortunately we haven’t been up to the task. Hopefully we can be in thelast Test.”
