Shane Watson to open for Australia in Ashes

London: Shane Watson will open for Australia in the upcoming Ashes series in England, the all-rounder said.

Watson did his best to play himself into some sort of form with a rapid 90, off just 94 balls and including 20 fours, on the second day of Australia’s tour match against Somerset at Taunton on Thursday as the visitors closed on 266 for four in reply to the west country county’s 320.

“It’s nice to get that confirmation and it’s a hugely exciting challenge for me,” said Watson, one of four players controversially dropped during the 4-0 Test series loss in India in March for failing to provide written feedback on the team’s performance requested by Arthur.

“Darren is very up front about things, from my experience of him, but he also does care when he needs to,” added Watson. He is black and white in a really good way.

“It’s nice for me personally to know I have the backing of the coach and the opportunity to open is something I am very excited about,” Watson said.
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