Shane Watson prepared to shift down batting order

Australian all-rounder has said he is prepared to shift down the batting order if his increased bowling demands put a strain on his ability to compile big scores as an opening batsman.

Colombo: Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has said he is prepared to shift down the batting order if his increased bowling demands put a strain on his ability to compile big scores as an opening batsman.

Watson has been used extensively as a fourth fast bowling option in the ongoing three-match Test series against Sri Lanka. “I really do enjoy opening the batting, taking on the quicks with the new ball, but it does depend on what my role is, if I’m going to bowl a lot more,” Watson said. “I feel my body is really coping and handling the overs a lot better as well. At the moment I’m definitely opening the batting, but if my role changes a little bit I’m happy to bat anywhere to make sure we’ve got the best people in the right positions,” he added. The 30-year-old, however, admitted that his primary job is to open the batting and score runs. “There’s no doubt being an all-rounder and bowling, mentally and physically it does take a lot more out of you than guys who just bat. But that’s part of being an all-rounder, being able to play a role in the game whether I’m batting or bowling. I’ve just got to get better at capitalising on the bigger scores,” Watson said. Bureau Report