Legendary South African batsman Barry Richards has said that Australian all-rounder Shane Watson must become the 'world class off-sider' necessary to lighten the load of his captain Michael Clarke's back and neutralise England.
Richards rates Kevin Pietersen as the one 'tour de force' in the game who can win contests off his own bat and warned Australia to find an answer in Watson, who will be batting at No.3, or face being washed away for a fourth consecutive Ashes.
According to News.com.au, Richards, who gave a 17-year-old Darren Lehmann his big cricket break as South Australia coach 25 years ago, said that the over-worked Clarke needs a bit of support in a couple of areas, adding that Watson needs to step up to lighten Clarke's load and ensure a more reliable batting order.
Richards, who scored two centuries in four Tests before South Africa's Apartheid isolation, said that he is perplexed by Watson's modest average of 36 and three tons in 46 starts, saying that although he is viewed as a world-class player, but in terms of Test match hundreds he would want more.
Richards also said that Australia' chances of reclaiming the Ashes will diminish unless Clarke enters the series opener in Brisbane on Thursday with 'enough cement' in team fabric.