Watson call-up hits Hampshire hopes

4 June 2008

Shane Watson replaces the injured Matthew Hayden for Australia © Getty Images

Shane Watson has been called into Australia’s squad for the forthcoming one-day international series against West Indies - and therefore seems sure to be unavailable for Hampshire during this summer’s Twenty20 Cup.

The pinch-hitting all-rounder is set to replace the injured Matthew Hayden as the Australians gear up for one Twenty20 match and five ODIs in the Caribbean, from June 20.

Twenty-six-year-old Watson, who was due to join the Hawks next week in time for the start of the Twenty20 Cup on June 11, will instead arrive in Barbados during the third and final Test.

Australia were convinced of Watson’s credentials after his man-of-the-series performances in former Hampshire captain Shane Warne’s Rajasthan Royals’ successful Indian Premier League campaign over the last six weeks.

Cricket Australia’s national selection panel chairman Andrew Hilditch said: “We will certainly miss Matthew, because he is such a dominant force at the top of the order in one-day cricket.

“However, this does create an opportunity to reintroduce Shane Watson back into the Australian one-day side.

“Approximately 18 months ago we identified Shane as someone we thought could open the batting for Australia in one-day cricket - and in the opportunities he has had since, he has played that role extremely well. He also adds great flexibility to our bowling attack in this format of the game.

“Shane has had a disappointing run with injuries but finished our inter-state season well and has sustained his fitness levels throughout the IPL tournament.

“Shane is an exciting young player and deserves his opportunity to return to the Australian side.”