Watson shouldn't be blamed for Cardiff loss, says KP

Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen feels that Australia should focus on the batting form of Steve Smith and Brad Haddin rather than blaming Shane Watson for the loss in first Ashes Test at Cardiff.

The all-rounder, who was dismissed lbw in both innings in the first Test, has been reportedly dropped from the Australian playing 11 for the Lord's Test.

The maverick batsman said that every time the Australians get beaten, it is Watson takes up the heat and it was no different this time also, Sport24 reported.

It is believed that Mitchell Marsh, who had already been in contention for a place in the first 11 after his eye-catching centuries in the warm-up games against Kent and Essex, will replace Watson.

Pietersen said the form of veteran wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who has withdrawn from the second Test citing 'family problems', and batsman Steve Smith were a bigger worry for Australia.

Haddin had a forgettable match in Cardiff as he made scores of 22 and 7 and dropped crucial catches, including that of Joe Root during Australia's 169-run defeat.

Meanwhile, Smith failed to pass fifty following a brilliant run of form which made him the top-ranked batsman in the world.

The two arch-rivals will now lock horns in the second Test at Lord's starting from Thursday.