SYDNEY, Nov 26: Australian all-rounder Shane Watson, who was dropped for the second Test against New Zealand, said on Wednesday Cricket Australia’s ‘horses for courses’ approach to selection will only create insecurity and undermine players’ confidence.

Australia, seemingly in an effort to adopt a more flexible approach to selection, released Watson from their squad for Friday’s second Test in Adelaide after they similarly dropped off-spinner Jason Krejza in Brisbane.

Ricky Ponting, the Australian captain, had said it was a way to discover which players could be depended on in specific conditions, but Watson said the best players should be able to adapt anywhere.

“I do understand what they are saying, but, for me, if I’m a good enough player then I can adapt to whatever conditions are there,” Watson said.

“In India, it was the first time I’d played a Test series over there and by the end I felt like I was able to adapt, especially with the ball, and really improve.

“I’d prefer to play in all conditions because that’s the only way I will improve.”

Watson, 27, said players performed better when confident of their environment. —Agencies