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| October 15, 2006 | Sunday | Ramazan 21, 1427 |
Symonds backs Watson as opener
MUMBAI, Oct 14: Australia's Andrew Symonds is backing fellow all-rounder Shane Watson for the role of opening batsman in one-day cricket.
The world champions are experimenting with the openers' position in a bid to find a settled partner for Adam Gilchrist before their World Cup defence in the Caribbean next year.
The 25-year-old Watson impressed in his new role in a tri-series in Malaysia last month, cracking 79 against India as Australia went on to win the competition in their build-up for the Champions Trophy in India.
“Technically, I think he is capable of doing a good job there,” Symonds told reporters after practice on Saturday.
Left-hander Simon Katich opened the batting with Gilchrist for most of last year, but his slow approach sometimes puts extra pressure on the middle-order.
Phil Jaques, Matthew Hayden, Katich and Watson were all considered at the top of the order in Malaysia, a tournament that Gilchrist skipped.
A clean striker of the ball, Watson has batted at number four for Tasmania with success.
“Looking forward, I suppose there is a little bit of opening there,” 31-year-old Symonds said of the opener's.
Watson, who bowls fast-medium, strengthened his chances to open during the Champions Trophy with an 83-ball 70 in a practice match against Maharashtra on Thursday.—Reuters
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