Watson laments untimely dismissal

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson, despite posting his highest Test score in nearly a year, lamented the missed opportunity to capitalise on the good start he got and score a big century Friday.

Watson was under pressure following a prolonged run-drought but he scored a patient 52 on day one of the Boxing Day Test against India here at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to show signs of resurgence.

"It was nice to feel good out there. Unfortunately I just got out at the wrong time again," he said Friday.

"It's a beautiful batting wicket, and unfortunately I wasn't able to go on with it again."

Watson failed to take advantage after he was dropped just before lunch on 37 but reached his 22nd half century in 54 Tests in which he has also hit four hundreds.

"I feel like I've still got a lot of improvement to go," the right-handed batsman said.

"I'm not really someone who talks about a lot of things, I work through it in my own mind. Today I felt like I was free in my mind with the way I batted, until I got out."

Australia were 259 for five at stumps on day one with captain Steven Smith (batting 72) going strong.