I still have a lot to give: Shane Watson

Shane Watson feels he still has plenty to offer Australia’s Test side, but knows there is only one person to blame if his career is over.

Watson is expected to feature in the UK one-day series that follows the Ashes, but may need to rely on an injury to break back into the Test XI.

National selectors dropped the 34-year-old after the first Ashes Test due to a poor run of form with the bat, promoting 23-year-old allrounder Mitch Marsh in his place.

The age of the two allrounder rivals suggests it is unlikely to be a temporary change.

“I am not exactly sure at the moment what my immediate future holds,” Watson said.

“After the first Test I was very disappointed to miss out, but in the end I only have myself to blame.

“I still feel I have got a lot to give. I still feel I am only getting better and improving in all formats.

“Obviously I haven’t played in the last couple of Test matches so I don’t know what’s around the corner, but I’m still excited what the future holds.”

Speaking to the media for the first time since being dropped, Watson noted he was committed to pushing for selection and extending his 59-Test career.

“I still feel like I have got a lot of good cricket left in me,” he said.

“I know how lucky I have been to be able to have the opportunities I have had.

“While I’m still loving every minute of it I will continue to try to push to get the best out of myself and play.”

Watson was axed after passing 50 in two of his past 16 Test innings.

Coach Darren Lehmann suggested at the time that the door was open for a quick recall, but it would depend on Watson’s form.

Chairman of selectors Rod Marsh left Watson in no doubt as to why he was omitted.

“I just hadn’t performed so I didn’t really have to talk to him too much about the reason why I got dropped,” Watson said.

“Because it was very obvious.

“I just didn’t score enough runs, it’s as simple as that. In the West Indies and the first (Ashes) Test as well.

“I am just disappointed in myself that I wasn’t able to perform well enough to be a part of such an exciting Ashes series.”

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