Former Australian vice captain Shane Watson has said that he viewed the upcoming Ashes series as a new beginning for him after the most tumultuous summer of his career in the game, adding that it had always been his dream to play for Australia the best he can.
Watson, who launched his Test career as an opening batsman four years ago, saw his blaze of glory abruptly snuffed in a mire of controversy which saw him suspended, captain Australia, and then reluctantly hand back the vice-captaincy, News.com.au reports.
The report further said that more injuries and an itinerant shuffling through the batting order has seen his form suffer to the point where the dual Allan Border Medallist is struggling to hold his place in the Test team.
However, Watson again hoped to pick up his career beginning with the Ashes, saying that although he had faced one of the most challenging times during his career, he still has not let go of his childhood dreams to play for his country, which he found out after a lot of soul searching.
Hoping to replicate his memories of his sudden call-up for the third Ashes Test in 2009 and the progress he made as an opening batsman, Watson said that it was the catalyst behind his real improvement and development as a cricketer, adding that he needed to get back on track with his batting, whatever his position in the batting order be.
Meanwhile, Watson expressed his frustration over the fact that his above the par performances in white-ball cricket have not been replicated at Test level more regularly, and blamed the lack of continuity due to injuries for the fact, adding that being able to get the best out of himself as an all-rounder has been one of his biggest challenges.
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Although Watson had just two hundreds in 41 Tests, he is confident about this year's Ashes, saying that his success against the majority of bowlers who are still playing for England, combined with his experience in English cricket, would surely help him in the Ashes, given the lack of playing experience of his mostly-young team in England.
Advising younger players to never let their guard down while batting, Watson said that in England, the conditions are different than Australia for which the Duke ball can move or do something a little bit unusual, for which constant attention is necessary.