Watson: It’s crunch time for me
Australia allrounder Shane Watson knows how important Saturday's World Cup Pool A match against New Zealand in Auckland is, not just for the team but for himself.
Watson's only innings in the World Cup so far has been a first-ball duck against England in the opening match of the tournament. The Aussies' second match, against Bangladesh, was washed out.
With captain Michael Clarke likely to come back into the side, the Australia selectors will be forced to make another tough decision once premier ODI allrounder James Faulkner is fit again.
Watson knows that his performances will come under scrutiny, especially given the emergence of 23 year-old allrounder Mitchell Marsh, who scored a quickfire 23 and then took five wickets in the win over England.
The 33 year-old Watson said: "It's crunch time for me to score runs in general. I didn't score runs in the first game which was very disappointing – to not get through that first ball.
"I think it's important for me to score runs anytime. It's up to the selectors in the end, whether they see fit for me to play. But I'm doing everything I possibly can.
"I've been in and around a number of World Cup campaigns. I know what to expect and I know it doesn't always go exactly to plan as well."
Latest
-
NewsThree positive Covid tests confirmed in New Zealand’s tour party
Batter Henry Nicholls, seamer Blair Tickner and bowling coach Shane Jurgensen will self-isolate for five days.
-
NewsZak Crawley outdone by Ben Compton as Kent start strongly at Northamptonshire
Opener Compton stole the show with an unbeaten 125.
-
NewsMark Wood admits frustration over slow progress from elbow surgery
Wood is targeting a Test return towards the back end of the summer.
-
NewsMcCullum hopes ‘attractive brand of Test cricket’ can see red-ball game thrive
New head coach Brendon McCullum is looking to transform England’s fortunes.
-
NewsEffects of lockdown on bowlers may be playing part in spate of stress fractures
In the past week Jofra Archer, Saqib Mahmood and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season with lower back injuries.
-
NewsBen Stokes to be subject of Amazon documentary created by Sam Mendes
The 30-year-old will open up on his World Cup and Headingley heroics as well as his off-the-field troubles.
-
NewsJofra Archer setback adds to England’s fast bowling injury crisis
Saqib Mahmood, Jofra Archer and Matthew Fisher have all been ruled out for the season this week.
-
NewsEngland bowler Jofra Archer sidelined for the summer after injury setback
Archer has suffered a stress fracture of the lower back.
-
NewsPaul Farbrace: Che Simmons may play for England after signing Warwickshire deal
The 18-year-old has signed a three-year contract.
-
NewsPaul Collingwood ‘desperate to help out’ new England coaches, says Rob Key
Australia’s Matthew Mott has been appointed to lead the white-ball team, with Brendon McCullum the new man in charge of the Test side.