Now, CA says would consider Watson ‘specialist batsman’ for Tests

Cricket Australia has spectacularly changed their firm stance on vice-captain Shane Watson.

Sydney: Cricket Australia (CA) has spectacularly changed their firm stance on vice-captain Shane Watson, as chief selector John Inverarity has insisted that the all rounder’s Test team destiny doesn’t depend solely on his bowling fitness.

Inverarity`s fresh statement that Watson will be measured as a specialist top-order Test batsman, even if not fit to bowl, is a stark new direction from what team performance boss Pat Howard stated last November. At the time, Howard clearly did not consider Watson among the country`s top six batsmen, however, the CA’s stance has dramatically changed since then. Inverarity said there are occasions when Watson is not able to bowl and he will be considered for inclusion in the Test team, even when he is not able to bowl. Inverarity added Watson would be considered in any situation, adding he will be considered if he can bat and bowl, and he will also come under consideration if he is not able to bowl. Inverarity further said that Watson as a cricketer likes to be at his best when he is both batting and bowling well. Despite some contradictory statements from CA officials this season, there is no doubt Watson could hold his spot in the current Test side purely as a batsman. ANI