New slot for Watson as Hayden boosts Aussies by AFP

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Event:

ICC World Cup 2006/07

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DateLine: 11th March 2007

 

Shane Watson's 136 runs in Australia's two World Cup warm-up matches will not be enough to save his position as opener when the world champions take on Scotland on Wednesday.

 

Watson made 81 against Zimbabwe and 55 against England but he is expected to drop down the order to number seven to accommodate the return from injury of Matthew Hayden.

 

"I've said for a long time now I think Watson's game is best suited to the top of the order," Australia skipper Ricky Ponting said.

 

"Every game we've seen him lately when he has opened, he has looked the part there.

 

"He's got very good new-ball shots. He's got a good solid technique if the ball is swinging around and he drives the ball down the ground and cuts it and pulls it as good as anybody going around.

 

"At the same time he's a pretty strong powerful sort of guy too. So if we can get him in at the right situation with wickets in hand towards the end of our innings, he's a guy who's going to be able to clear the rope for us."

 

Ponting added that Hayden was on course to face Scotland and resume his opening partnership with Adam Gilchrist.

 

"He (Hayden) batted for an hour-and-a-half. He's done a lot of running as well," said Ponting. "He seems to be coming along pretty well. I think right at the moment he would certainly be on track to play against Scotland."

 

Meanwhile, all-rounder Andrew Symonds, who has been suffering from a bicep injury, is still on course to face South Africa on March 24 in the final group game.

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)