Shane Watson : Veteran states case to bat higher in Australia’s order

SHANE Watson has stated his case to move back to the top of the order after being demoted to No.6 for Australia’s first Test against West Indies.

Speaking to News Corp Australia before opener Chris Rogers was ruled out of the second Test as he continues to struggle with concussion, Watson hinted he was keen to return to his preferred batting position because, as he says, he is a “specialist batsman”.

However the 33-year-old also admitted there was no excuse for his poor dismissal in Dominica, nor for his batting performances over the past 12 months that have seen him score 249 runs from five Tests at an average of 27.66.

Rogers’ omission for the Jamaica Test means there’s a small chance Watson could have a crack as an opener, although it’s far more likely Shaun Marsh will bat alongside David Warner for a second match running.