Watson wants to open the batting

Shane Watson has made it known to the Australian selectors that he wants to open the batting in one-day internationals.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting gave Watson the chance to open the batting on two occasions during the recent DLF Cup in Malaysia where he scored 79 and 18.

Watson further proved he has what is takes to open the innings after scoring 70 off 83 balls against Maharashtra in a warm-up game in India ahead of the Champions Trophy.

Watson told The Australian “I really enjoy it up there and I’ve been able to improve my batting as well through getting more of an opportunity all the time whereas before, batting at seven and eight, I wouldn’t get that much opportunity.

“I’m really enjoying opening so hopefully it’ll last a bit longer.

“I’ve felt I’ve been doing a pretty good job at the top of the order. I suppose my technique’s built for opening the batting a bit more. Batting three for Tasmania a couple of years ago, that was where I really developed a game against the new ball,” Watson added.

Australia’s Champions Trophy campaign starts at the Wankhede Stadium where they take on a qualifier in either the West Indies or Sri Lanka.