Warner: Watto is perfect at number six

2015 World Cup

Cricket365
March 22, 2015

Australia opening batsman David Warner has backed veteran all-rounder Shane Watson to continue to finding his form at number six, saying Watson now has the freedom to play his more natural game.

Watson had been batting at three for much of the World Cup, before being dropped completely for the game against Afghanistan. He returned in the next match and scored a half ton batting at six, and Warner feels this is the perfect spot for Watto.

Warner said: "The way Shane played the other day was fantastic. I think he sort of adopted that approach where he knew he could come in and play his game.

"Because he was out of form he probably had the luxury to go in and play the way he wanted to play and that's the message he probably wanted to send to everyone: he can still play this form of the game, it doesn't matter where he bats.

"With the team we've got and the balance we've got, we showed the other night with the bat what can happen.

"With Smith and Clarke to come in and anchor the role there, and then you see Maxwell, Watson, Faulkner and Haddin.

"If we're two or three for 250 we could finish off very well like we did the other day.

"Hopefully sometimes we don't need Maxie or Watto to do what they did and the top-four can do the job."

Warner was just as complimentary of Steve Smith, who has moved up the order to Watson's old spot at three, and 'Bull' feels Smith is the perfect, calming influence to come in at first drop.

He added: "The head on his shoulders is very good, he's very smart, when he's out there he's on the ball all the time.

"When we play that style of aggression and one person is going (well), we have to rotate the strike for the other person no matter what.

"He does a great job at the moment at number three and will continue to do a good job at number three."