Shane Watson justified the faith shown in him by new coach Darren Lehmann, but once again fell agonisingly short of a century against Somerset on Thursday.

The bruising opener smashed 90 runs from 93 balls with 80 of his runs coming from boundaries.

But in the over before lunch Watson was caught at cover from a leading edge.

After being assured of a return to his preferred position at the top of the order for the upcoming Ashes series, Watson came out on day two and got to 50 with 11 fours.

The Australians were 3-151 at lunch, with captain Michael Clarke unbeaten on 16 and Phil Hughes new to the crease on 4.

The tourists are chasing Somerset’s first innings total of 320.

A lot of pressure has now fallen on what Ed Cowan can produce in the second innings after the opener was caught behind for 3 in the first over of day two.

Usman Khawaja also missed a golden chance to cement a first Test berth, eventually weakening under pressure from Somerset’s quicks to edge to second slip for 27.

Clarke came to the crease at 2-78 but didn’t appear hampered by his back injury as he settled in to combine for a 69-run with Watson.

It’s the skipper’s first bat in three months, since the third Test against India in Mohali.

Watson’s innings showcased exactly what Lehmann is after at the top of the order.

A man who can stand and deliver.

The 32-year-old hit powerfully through the field and drove particularly well through the covers.

However, Watson has had a nasty habit of falling short of three figures in Test figures, and would have desperately liked to make a hundred leading into the Ashes.