Watson ready to open if Warner ruled out from first Test

Sydney: Australian cricketer Shane Watson has declared that he is ready to don the opener role if injured teammate David Warner is ruled out of Friday’s first Test against India.

Watson, who moved to No.4 in Australia`s batting order during the Test summer, has said that he performs best as an opener, and added that it is interesting for him to be in the opening side in any condition. However, Watson, who scored 84 on Sunday in Australia`s tour game against India A, said that the situation depended on the final decision for Warner’s fitness, and added that he hoped to have success batting at the number four position, if Warner is declared fit. The right-handed batsman further said his batting position has not yet been decided by the selectors, captain Michael Clarke and coach Mickey Arthur. Watson was a part of a top-order collapse of 4-11 as Australia stumbled to 4-131 at stumps on day two of the three-day clash in Chennai in response to India A`s first innings total of 451. Warner, who was rested from the match because of a fractured thumb, but had a practice batting session on Sunday, is working hard to prove his fitness for the start of the four-Test series against India. ANI