Shane Watson falls short of ton again

Shane Watson cut the despondent figure Australia cricket fans have become accustomed to seeing, after missing a golden chance for his fifth Test century against India at the SCG.

Watson holed out for 81 to Ravichandran Ashwin at deep mid-wicket off the bowling of Mohammed Shami after looking destined for triple figures after a watchful morning.

After starting day two of the fourth Test on 61, Australia’s No.3 batsman moved carefully along before pulling a rather innocuous short ball straight to Ashwin with one of the few extravagant shots he had played.

“Watson couldn’t have picked him out any better,” said former Australian captain Mark Taylor in commentary.

It was Watson’s highest score in a disappointing series, in which he has now scored 222 runs in seven innings averaging 31.71.

It means Watson has made just four centuries from 104 Test innings, while reaching a half century 23 times.

Watson could probably have booked a seat on the plane to the Ashes later this year with a big hundred.

But another chance lost on such a tame wicket will give more ammunition to his detractors who claim the allrounder’s time has passed, or that he should at least drop down to No.6 in the batting order.

In the lead-up to the SCG Test, Watson candidly acknowledged he was under pressure to score runs.

He also conceded the pressure he put on himself to succeed.

That was all too evident as he trudged off the SCG, with heavy feet and low slung shoulders carrying the weight of yet another opportunity missed.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!