Shane Watson’s most successful years in Test cricket were under the captaincy of Ricky Ponting, so it makes sense Australia are returning to that model for the Ashes.
Up until Darren Lehmann took over as Australian coach on Monday, Watson had no idea how he fitted into the jigsaw puzzle ahead of the first Test against England at Trent Bridge.
Now he knows he’ll be back in his favourite position opening the batting for the rest of the series.
The confidence shown in him by Lehmann had an immediate effect, with Watson belting 90 against Somerset on Thursday, with 80 runs coming in boundaries.
Watson says the “blueprint” for how to best utilise his talents was laid out by Ponting.
Open the batting and score more runs. Bowl and get injured less.
“That’s the blueprint for me anyway, how Ricky used me,” said Watson.
“Certainly opening the batting means I can’t bowl too much which has worked for me in the past.
“I was able to get through a lot of cricket without too many injuries, so hopefully I can get that period of time back again.”
Under Ponting’s captaincy, Watson averaged 41.55 batting mostly at the top of the order, with two hundreds.
But since Michael Clarke took over as skipper in 2011, Watson has moved positions regularly and his average has plummeted to just 26.46.
However, Watson’s bowling average is marginally better under Clarke – who wanted to use him to his full potential as an allrounder.
That stat suggests using Watson sparingly for impact is the most effective strategy, especially with the reduced toll on his injury-prone body.
“Bowling-wise I know I can contribute and that’s why I do love bowling,” Watson said.
“But the balance worked previously so hopefully it can work again.”
Watson bludgeoned his 90 from just 93 balls in Taunton on Thursday, with his driving through the covers the highlight.
The 32-year-old said opening suits his game best.
“Being able to take on the quicks with the brand new ball, I never knew how much I’d enjoy that until I got the opportunity in the last Ashes series here in 2009,” he said.
“I feel my game and mentality is really suited to opening the batting.
“Knowing I’ve got to be up to be facing a brand new ball with the best bowlers coming in at me certainly gets my energy going and my sharpness really going immediately.
“If I can’t get up for that period of time there’s no point playing.”
It would seem Chris Rogers and Ed Cowan are battling for the right to partner Watson for the first Test, although veteran Rogers could also bat at No.3 if Usman Khawaja fails to cement his spot.
