02 August,2009 09:54 AM IST | | AFP
Shane Watson paid tribute to Australia great Greg Chappell for helping turn him into a Test match opening batsman after making a successful debut in that role against England. Watson, drafted in after the out-of-form Phillip Hughes was dropped, made his name as a seam-bowling all-rounder.
Despite being drafted into an unfamiliar role in the ongoing third Ashes Test against England here at Edgbaston, Watson responded by top-scoring with 62 in Australia's modest first innings total of 263. It was all the more impressive considering Watson's previous stint as an opener in first-class cricket with Queensland saw him average a meagre 4.67. Rained ruined the Test on Saturday.
Watson said that Chappell helped him "simplify" his approach to batting. "Greg was the guy I worked with closely over the past six months to simplify my game," said. Watson.
