Watson: ‘I only have myself to blame’

Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has been sitting on the sidelines for the past two Ashes Tests, having been dropped after Cardiff, and says he only has himself to blame for his lack of selection.
Watson was dropped in favour of Mitchell Marsh for Lord's and Edgbaston, with the selectors growing weary of Watson's lack of runs in the middle order, and also opting for a quicker and younger bowler in Marsh.
Watson took no wickets in Cardiff, and made scores of 19 and 30, while against the West Indies earlier in the year, he didn't impress either. He did make 81 against India in January, but knows that wasn't enough.
Watson said on the Cricket Australia website: "I am not exactly sure at the moment what my immediate future holds.
"After the first Test I was very disappointed to miss out but in the end I only have myself to blame.
"I have been very lucky and fortunate through my career to have plenty of opportunities and I just didn't score enough runs, it’s as simple as that.
"In the (preceding two-Test series against the) West Indies and the first (Ashes) Test as well.
"I am just disappointed in myself that I wasn't able to perform well enough to be a part of such an exciting Ashes series.
"I'll just have to see what happens in the future, but in the end the most important thing is that whoever goes out onto the field we put on the best showing we possibly can to get back in this series."
Watson added that it wasn't only Tests he was keen on playing, but all formats, and wasn't looking to join Brad Haddin in retirement in one-dayers quite yet.
He said: "I still feel I have got a lot to give. I still feel I am only getting better and improving in all formats.
"While I'm still really loving playing, enjoying every single moment and trying to get better every time I play and train I want to keep playing as long as that’s still there.
"You never know what’s around the corner, obviously I haven't played in the last couple of Test matches so I don't know .. but I'm still excited what the future holds."
Latest
-
News
India v England Day 4: England put faith in bowlers in push for final-day win
India require a world-record 419 for victory.
-
News
Jon Lewis confident Jack Leach can bowl England to victory against India
Leach struck on the fourth evening with a stunning ball to remove Rohit Sharma.
-
News
India need world record chase to secure unlikely first Test win over England
Joe Root opted not to enforce the follow-on in Chennai and was rewarded as Jack Leach broke through.
-
News
England extend lead after not enforcing follow-on
The tourists were looking towards 400 before calling time on their second innings.
-
News
England lose Rory Burns but look to build their lead after refusing follow-on
The tourists opted to bat again after claiming a 241-run first-innings lead in Chennai
-
News
Dom Bess delighted to remove Virat Kohli to help put England in driving seat
India closed on 257 for six after England made 578.
-
News
India v England Day 2: Dom Bess helps turn the screw on India
India are still 122 runs short of saving the follow-on.
-
News
Dom Bess enjoys a day to remember as England take up a strong position
Yorkshire spinner took four wickets on day three.
-
News
Dom Bess and Jofra Archer at the double as England remain on top against India
The tourists had reduced the home side to 154 for four at tea in reply to 578.
-
News
Jofra Archer strikes twice as India wobble in Chennai
The hosts lost both openers before lunch on day three after England’s 578 all out.