Shane Watson flourishes as opener for Australia, 3rd Ashes Test Day 1 Highlights

Shane Watson scored a brilliant 62 not out, and proved the Australian team management correct in the gamble of opening the 3rd Test match replacing the out of form Philip Hughes. Shane Watson dealt the Swing and Seam of the English bowling attack with patience and some awesome strokeplay, he actually happened to save the day for Captain Ricky Ponting who chose to bat first on a swing friendly and soggy pitch.

Shane Watson who was out of the game due to a bout of injuries since the IPL 2009 was declared fit and included in the Ashes campaign.

Simon Katich was the only one to get out on a rain affected match with just 30 over happening in the 1st day.

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Australia Vs West Indies – ICCT20 World Cup 2009 3rd Match

In the 3rd match of ICC T20 World Cup 2009, Australia will take charge against West Indies at Kennington Oval, London starting from 1:30 GMT, 6.00 PM IST. This match is very crucial for both the teams because they are in the strongest group which includes Sri Lanka.

Australia already is on charge by defeating New Zealand and Bangladesh in their warm up matches. Andrew Symonds is replaced by Cameroon White who is known for his cracking hitting. Australia’s batting order is strong including opener Shane Watson and David Warner followed by Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Hopes, David Hussey, and Michael Hussey.

West Indies won their first warm up against Ireland and lost their second warm-up against England. Chris Gayle played like a storm against Ireland. West Indies wants to win this match to ensure that their chances are bright to get into the Super 8 stage.

Australia Playing 11 for Today Match

David Warner, Shane Watson, Ricky Ponting(C), Michael Clarke, Mike Hussey, Brad Haddin(W), James Hopes, Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Bracken, Cameron White

West Indies Playing 11 for Today Match

Chris Gayle(C), Xavier Marshall, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Dwayne Bravo, Dinesh Ramdin(W), Darren Sammy, Lionel Baker, Sulieman Benn, Fidel Edwards, Jerome Taylor

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Shane Watson & Andrew McDonald selected over Symonds as Allrounders for Ashes Tour 2009

The fight for the top allrounder position in the Australian test team ends with Andrew Symonds not making it in the playing XI for the forthcoming Ashes tour of England. Andrew McDonalds was the other surprise option for the allrounder position along with ShaneWatson.

A tough decision for the Australian Cricket Board to select the team. Andrew Symonds recent behavior which has kept him in the news off late, might have offered a negative point in his dropping from the Ashes test team.

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