 Sydney: Australia coach Mickey Arthur has revealed he is praying Shane Watson returns back to form during the remaining two Test matches against India, adding the time is right for the all-rounder to prove his doubters wrong.
Watson is under pressure to retain his spot for the third Test against India after failures in consecutive Tests, first in Chennai and again on Tuesday in Australia`s crushing innings loss in Hyderabad.
After two Tests on this tour, Watson has 77 runs from four innings at 19.25, extending his Test century drought to 37 Test innings.
Intriguingly, Watson last blasted a Test ton in October 2010 at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali, which is the scene of the third Test on Thursday week.
Arthur said the truth be told is that they really need Watson firing now, adding captain Michael Clarke needs a lot of support in the batting.
Arthur said he doesn`t think there is any flaw in Watson`s technique, adding every time the Australian vice-captain has gone to the wicket he has looked brilliant.
The coach added Watson has been getting out for 20s, and he just prays every time he goes to the wicket there`s a big score because he thinks once he gets that one big score, that will unlock the shackles.
Arthur added the Australian team can`t be a one-trick pony and they need other players to stand up.
After 40 Tests Watson`s batting average has slipped to 36.03 and since August 2011, his mark has plummeted to 25.20 from 13 matches, and of his 24 Test innings in that period, 17 have featured scores of 30 or less.
ANI
First Published: Wednesday, March 6, 2013, 13:56
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