'Watson won't open in Tests against India'

Australia captain Michael Clarke has made it clear that Shane Watson’s brilliant form as an opener in the One-day format won’t have any effect on the Test opening spot, especially against India in the sub-continental conditions.

Clarke admitted that opening the batting in limited overs games bore little relation to Test cricket, News.com.au reported.

Clarke said that Watson scoring runs is a real positive for him to come back into the team. He added that he doesn’t think it has any impact on him opening the batting in One-day cricket.

The Australian captain emphasised that there is no comparison to opening the batting in Test cricket.

Watson made a stunning 122 returning for the third One-day match against the West Indies in Canberra last week and then followed it with 76 in Sydney two days later before making a first-ball duck in Melbourne.

Figures highlight that Watson’s best position is opening in either Test or One-day cricket but Australia is unlikely to reshuffle its batting order to suit him, particularly now that he’s given up bowling to improve his injury situation and Test batting.

The retirement of Mike Hussey leaves Australia desperate for experience in its middle order, which means Watson is likely to remain at No. 4 where he batted in the Boxing Day Test.

Clarke praised the performance of current opening pair David Warner and Ed Cowan.

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