After going down in the 1st Ashes Test, Australia are set to make big change in their playing XI for the 2nd Ashes Test at the Lord’s.
According to reports, Australia team management is set to drop all-rounder Shane Watson and draft Mitchell Marsh into the playing XI for the 2nd Ashes Test.
Watson failed to make any impression in Australia’s 1st Test defeat and was dismissed cheaply. Also, Australia skipper Michael Clarke barely used Watson’s medium-pace bowling in the 1st Ashes Test.
The all-rounder now has scored fifties just twice in his last 16 innings and if he is left out, it would be the second time Watson will be dropped mid-way into a series.
“My gut feeling is they’ll probably go with Mitchell Marsh,” former Australia captain Steve Waugh told Sky Sport. “A guy at that age…when he’s played a long time, when you make a decision like this now, it’s pretty much final. There’s probably no way back from being dropped now.”
Meanwhile, Marsh has made quite an impression in his limited outings with the Australian team and stamped his mark with imposing performances in the practice matches.
Australia coach Darren Lehmann had told after the 1st Ashes Test defeat that the team would have to make a tight call on the all-rounder spot, but Watson is not much affected with the recent build up.
“Being in and around these situations before, I know you can’t worry about things too much,” Watson said. “All that matters for me was being able to spend some quality time in the middle.”
