Australia’s vice-captain, Shane Watson, will not be available for bowling in the Adelaide Test against South Africa but expressed that he is committed to the role of an all-rounder in the team.
The cricketer from Queensland was ruled out of the first Test against the Proteas at Brisbane because of a calf-strain, which allowed Rob Quiney, the Victorian left-handed batsman, to make his Test debut for the Kangaroos.
Watson is now fit again and has been included in the Baggy Greens’ squad for the second Test of the series, which commences from November 22, at the Adelaide Oval. However, the doctors have not advised the 31-year-old cricketer to bowl as yet.
Some of the game’s pundits want the all-rounder to quit bowling, in order to prolong his career as a batsman, but the Aussie selectors and the team management have clearly indicated that they want Watson to deliver the goods with the ball as well, if he wants to have a guaranteed place in the playing-11.
The hard-hitting batsman understands the requirements of the team and plans to start bowling as soon as he feels 100 percent once again. Watson himself wishes to be categorised as an all-rounder, who can contribute in all facets of the game.
“If that's what Michael and the selectors think is the best balance for the team I'm not going to [oppose that],” Watson said. “I'd love to be out there. The thing I love doing more than anything is being an all-rounder, being able to contribute with bat and ball whenever I'm fit, and I know that's my value to a team more than just batting.”
Adelaide pitch is considered to be one of the flattest tracks in Australia, which is heavily in favour of the batsmen. Watson believes that the Aussie bowlers will have to work hard to take 20 wickets in helpful batting conditions and Michael Clarke will need a fifth bowler.
“There's no doubt the way Adelaide Oval is as well, it's fairly conducive to run scoring, so the bowling options will certainly help Michael out if things don't go exactly to plan,” added.
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