Watson’s imminent return could force Warner out of Oz one-day squad

Shane Watson’s return to fitness and David Warner’s poor one-day form may see Australian selectors replacing Warner with Watson in the ongoing Commonwealth Bank tri-series.

Sydney: Shane Watson’s return to fitness and David Warner’s poor one-day form, together may see Australian selectors replacing Warner with Watson in the ongoing Commonwealth Bank tri-series.

Watson was named as the twelfth man in Australia’s match against Sri Lanka on Friday, which Lanka won by three wickets. On the other hand, Warner has failed to impress in any of the matches in the tri-series and has only managed 121 runs in six innings at an average of 20.16. However, his struggles in the 50-over format extend beyond this series as he has managed to pass 50 only once in his last 14 innings. Warner is the only player in Australia`s squad to have played every match across all three forms of the game this summer, and the arduous schedule appears to be taking its toll on him. But captain Michael Clarke doesn’t believe Warner has played enough international matches to deserve some rest. “I don`t know if he needs a rest, I`m not sure about that. He hasn`t played that many one-day games, I don`t think he is in a position to be asking for a rest,” Clarke said. “I guess if the selectors decide to rest him then that`s a selection panel decision but for Davey, he has to keep making runs no matter what form of the game,” he said. “I think he has only played 20 games, 15 one-day games, so he has got to keep working hard and scoring runs. He is a big player for us, that`s for sure,” Clarke added. ANI