Watson relishes Ashes opening role

Shane Watson is fired up by the prospect of opening for Australia in the upcoming Ashes series in England, the all-rounder said.
Australia's squad contains several openers but new coach Darren Lehmann has said he wants Watson at the top of the order.
Watson did his best to play himself into some sort of form with a rapid 90, off just 94 balls and including 20 fours, on the second day of Australia's tour match against Somerset at Taunton on Thursday as the visitors closed on 266 for four in reply to the west country county's 320.
After a rain-shortened day, Watson spoke of his delight at the vote of confidence he'd received from former Australia batsman Lehmann, brought in after South African Mickey Arthur was sensationally sacked just 16 days before the first Ashes Test at Trent Bridge on July 10.

"It's nice to get that confirmation and it's a hugely exciting challenge for me," said Watson, one of four players controversially dropped during the 4-0 Test series loss in India in March for failing to provide written feedback on the team's performance requested by Arthur.
"Darren is very up front about things, from my experience of him, but he also does care when he needs to," added Watson yesterday. He is black and white in a really good way.

"It's nice for me personally to know I have the backing of the coach and the opportunity to open is something I am very excited about.

"I didn't know exactly what my role would be until Darren took over as coach. I had a few chats with Michael Clarke and Mickey Arthur about it, but there was no confirmation.
"Darren has been more definite about where he wants me to bat.
"It doesn't mean any more security because if I am not performing I can't expect to get picked. But I'm very happy about it.