Watson may be Oz's solution to reverse swing 'dilemma' in Cape Town 'decider'

Image
ANI Sydney
Last Updated : Mar 01 2014 | 5:16 PM IST

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson is reportedly expected to be the solution to his team's problems with the reverse swing when he returns for the series-deciding third Test against South Africa at Cape Town.

Australia is expected to resist the temptation of freshening up its pace attack despite another dry, shaved pitch being prepared at Newlands which may foster a repeat of South Africa's shock success with reverse swing in Port Elizabeth.

According to News.com.au, fresh from two solid training sessions behind him after a calf problem forced him out of the first two Tests, Watson is expected to be the only change to his squad, with either Alex Doolan or Shaun Marsh expected to make way for the all-rounder in a batting reshuffle.

The report mentioned that Watson was by far Australia's best exponent of reverse swing during the 2008 tour of India, before breaking down with stress fractures of the back, which cost him another sizeable chunk of his career.

Captain Michael Clarke believes reverse swing will play a huge part' on a pitch very different to the seaming strip which saw Australia bowled out for 47 two and a half years ago, adding that Watson is fit and ready to go as he bowled 'beautifully' in the nets.

Clarke also said that the fast bowlers are fully fit and have pulled up well, which is a positive for them heading into a big Test match.

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Mar 01 2014 | 11:51 AM IST

Next Story