No guarantee for Watson`s vice-captaincy, says Inverarity

Melbourne: In a sign of Shane Watson`s uncertain standing with the national selectors, panel chairman John Inverarity has declined to guarantee Watson`s role as captain Michael Clarke`s deputy or even his batting spot for the upcoming Ashes series.

Inverarity said the although the team needed Watson because of his undeniable talent and experience, he said that he was frustrated about Watson`s batting, which yielded an average of 16.5 in India and 24.11 in the past two years, the Age reports. In relation to a probability of Watson`s role as vice-captain during the Ashes, Inverarity said that every aspect of the team, including players and leadership roles, will come under discussion. On the subject of whether Watson was certain to be chosen for the Ashes, Inverarity hinted at a doubtful probability, saying that the selectors were concerned about his performances in India. Inverarity, who was selector on duty for the first two Tests in India, supported the decision of suspending four players, including Watson, from the Mohali Test and said the selectors considered alternatives before settling on Watson to lead the team when Clarke succumbed to a chronic back injury. However, Inverarity said that the selectors had finally chosen Watson because he was the tour vice-captain and had captaincy experience at international level, adding that from all quarters, that was the preferred option. With regard to his own position, Inverarity indicated that he intended to ride out the criticism that has been directed at him and his fellow selectors and shape the best possible Ashes squad. ANI