Watson’s future role in the team still hangs in the balance

Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has told the national selectors that he wants to open the batting once again, which is a clear indication that the vice-captain’s bowling days are all but over due to a string of career-threatening injuries he has had to fight back from in the past number of years. 

According to reports from News.com.au, Watson held meetings with captain Michael Clarke and the rest of the selection committee to discuss his future role in the team. 

The meeting was said to have emphasised Australia’s growing batting problem ahead of their tour to India, after which they will embark on their back-to-back Ashes campaign against arch-rivals England. 

Watson re-aggravated his calf injury during the second Test against Sri Lanka in Melbourne and after the match, he noted that he was considering giving up bowling in order to ease his workload and concentrate on scoring more Test centuries.

Whatever the case, Cricket Australia and Clarke have to make a decision about what to do with Watson since he is one player they cannot afford to drop.