Shane Watson led Australia’s cricketers in their warm-up match against Somerset, strengthening a prediction from Ricky Ponting that a change in coach can relax the struggling batting line-up.
There was certainly plenty for Darren Lehmann to like about Thursday’s showing in Taunton as big guns Watson, Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin and under-pressure man Phil Hughes showed form.
Watson justified the faith shown by his coach and captain Clarke made a sharp return from injury as the Australians reached 4-266 when rain forced an early stumps call during the tea break on day two.
The Australians trail on Somerset’s first innings by 54 runs, with two days left.
Watson had been all over the shop over the past two years but, after being assured of a return to his preferred position at the top of the order for the Tests, the big allrounder relaxed and opened his shoulders.
“It was nice to be able to spend some time out in the middle. It certainly helps when the outfield’s so fast and the boundaries are quite small as well,” Watson said.
“Any time I’ve had the opportunity to open … I’ve certainly enjoyed it. So it’s nice to get that confirmation now. It’s going to be exciting.”
The bruising opener smashed 90 runs from 93 balls with 80 of his runs coming from boundaries.
Watson’s innings showcased exactly what Lehmann is after at the top of the order; a man who can stand and deliver.
The 32-year-old hit powerfully through the field and drove brilliantly through the covers.
However, that nagging inability to convert to a century continued as Watson got a leading edge to cover in the over before lunch.
“I don’t particularly think it was a concentration lapse it was just one of those balls that didn’t go exactly where I wanted,” Watson explained.
Hughes also played with a clear head, despite going in at the unfamiliar position of No.5.
His demotion suggests he’s got some work to do to make the Trent Bridge line-up, but Hughes went about it the right way on Thursday to be 44no at stumps.
Haddin is unbeaten on 38 and two trademark sixes from the wicketkeeper down the ground showed he’s in a good place in his return to the Test side.
Nothing much has affected the form of captain Clarke over the past couple of years, but getting through his first innings in three months since the India tour was always going to be an anxious test.
Clarke looked strong on his way to 45 with seven boundaries before he eventually followed a ball moving away from him and nicked behind.
He combined with Watson for 69 and Hughes for 65.
A lot of pressure has now fallen on what Ed Cowan can produce in the second innings after the opener was caught behind for three in the first over on Thursday.
Usman Khawaja also missed a golden chance to cement a first Test berth, edging to second slip for 27.
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