National selector John Inverarity hints that Watson’s future in the Australia Test team may be in doubt.
It has been a busy few weeks for Shane Watson as he toured India with the Australian team.
After losing the first two Tests against the Indians, the Aussie coaching staff announced the vice-captain and three other players would be suspended for the third match in Mohali for unprofessional behaviour.
Watson returned home after his suspension, claiming he was considering his future in cricket, but after witnessing the birth of his first child he returned to India to fill in as skipper for the injured Michael Clarke.
Australia lost the fourth and final Test of the series and their tour ended in disappointment as they succumbed to their first 4-0 whitewash since 1970.
Watson was brought on the Indian tour as a non-bowling batsman, after giving up his role as an all-rounder.
Yet the 31-year-old failed to impress with the bat against India and it appears his place in the side is under threat.
“The national selection panel will have meetings this week and through April and every player will be discussed,” Inverarity was quoted on ESPNcricinfo when asked about Watson.
“Every aspect of the team will be discussed. Players in leadership roles.”
Despite Inverarity’s broad mention of leadership, it is unlikely captain Michael Clarke’s role is in doubt after the currently injured batsman was one the only Australians to come out of the India tour with any credit.
This therefore suggests that vice-captain Watson may be under surveillance from the selectors as Australia seek to regain the Ashes for the first time since 2007.
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