Watson says No.3 is balancing act

Shane Watson wants to continue to bat in Australia’s top order but admits it’s going to be tough because of his increasing bowling workload under new captain Michael Clarke.

Watson has missed Australia’s six home Tests this summer against New Zealand and India with hamstring and calf injuries and says he’s hoping to return to action in a few weeks.

The 30-year-old Test vice-captain has made a success of a switch to the opening role from the middle order.

However, the good form of new opening pair Ed Cowan and David Warner in Watson’s absence and the woeful performance of No.3 Shaun Marsh in the four-Test series against India has fuelled speculation Watson will slot in as No.3 for the tour of the West Indies in April.

Watson says such a move would not require a major adjustment.

“I just want to be able to play and fit in, wherever it is,” Watson told FoxSports’ Inside Cricket program on Monday night.

The strong form of skipper Clarke and veterans Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey would appear to leave no gaps in Australia’s middle order, with Marsh the batsman most under threat from the selectors’ axe.

Another option would be to move Michael Clarke to No.3, although his triple century and double hundred in the Indian series would suggest No.5 suits him well.

While Watson wants to stay in the top order, the dual Allan Border Medallist says a change of captaincy from Ricky Ponting to Clarke in 2011 has increased his bowling role within the side.

“Physically up until just recently, I was able to open the batting and bowl,” Watson said.

“The difference between Ricky and Michael is the way they use me as a bowler.

“I would prefer to definitely continue to bat high in the order and keep an eye on my bowling workloads. But there’s going to be times and situations in a game where that goes all out the window.

“It’s actually doing what you have to do to be able to win the game.”

The Turkey 10

The Turkey 10 teams have now been selected, as Wild Turkey Bourbon's sport sponsorship kicks into the next exciting phase.

Choose which side you're going to support and get in the running to win $2,500!

Simply visit Wild Turkey Australia on Facebook for your chance to win.

Find out more.