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Watson adds more pressure on mate Symonds

30th November, 2008
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On a day controversy again swirled around Andrew Symonds, Shane Watson unwittingly ensured more pressure would be applied on his good mate with a stunning all-round display for Queensland.

In his first game for the Bulls since being dumped from the Test team, Watson sent a not so subtle reminder to national selectors by bagging a career-best, seven -wicket haul – then backing up with a team high 81 runs.

His heroics helped Queensland to 9-371 at stumps on day three of the Sheffield Shield clash with South Australia at the Gabba, holding an overall lead of 312.

Wicketkeeper Chris Hartley (71 not out) and former Redbacks quick Ryan Harris (46) set up an intriguing last day’s play on Monday with a 95-run ninth-wicket stand.

Symonds again made headlines for all the wrong reasons on Sunday after a man told News Limited that he had been elbowed in the face by the Australian cricketer while attempting to grab a quick photo last week.

It was also revealed on Sunday that the allrounder had slept in and missed a morning recovery session while playing for Queensland during his banishment from the Australian squad.

Compounding his woes, Symonds went for a duck in the second Test against New Zealand at Adelaide on Sunday.

Watson’s sizzling form is set to place Symonds’ position in the team under even more scrutiny before the Test series against South Africa starts on December 17 at Perth.

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But Watson was not losing sleep over it.

“Obviously it would be nice to test yourself against one of the best teams in the world…(but) to be honest it doesn’t really worry me,” Watson said.

“I am really happy with the way my game is progressing – that’s all I care about.

“It (being dumped from the Test side) didn’t affect me too much. I just wanted to get out there and play (for Queensland) – I prefer to do that than actually be 12th man (for Australia).”

Watson believed his 83-ball 81 was the best he had ever batted and did not hide his excitement over his 7-69 that turned the Shield match on its ear.

“I always do (give myself a Test chance). Hopefully I can get a gig but you never know what is going to happen,” Watson said.

“It (Perth) is one of my favourite grounds in the world, I have performed consistently well there – it would be nice to get a crack.”

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After South Australia resumed their first innings on Sunday in total control at 4-348, Watson ran amok as the Redbacks lost 6-63 to be all out for 411 – holding a slender 59-run lead.

Not satisfied, Watson then stroked 15 fours and a six before being unluckily given LBW to part-timer Dan Christian (4-89) just before tea.

The Bulls suffered a mini-collapse of 4-40 to be reduced to 8-240 before Harris and Hartley regained control.

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