Watson wants to be Australia's Flintoff - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Watson wants to be Australia's Flintoff

By Dave Donaghy 21/09/2005 05:58:46 PM Comments (0)

All-rounder Shane Watson has put his hand up to be Australia's version of Andrew Flintoff after watching the Englishman slay the tourists in the Ashes.

Watson declared his intentions a day after being called up to the Australian Test squad for next month's six-day Super Series Test match against a World XI featuring Flintoff.

Flintoff and Pakistan quick Shoaib Akhtar will spearhead the visitors in both the Test match and the three one-day series matches to be staged in Sydney and Melbourne respectively.

The fiery 27-year-old ripped the Aussies apart with both bat and ball on his way to claiming player of the series honours in the Ashes.

His 402 runs from 10 innings and 24 wickets at an average of 27.29 saw him compared with England's last great all-rounder Ian Botham.

Watson, currently on tour with Australia A in Pakistan, believes he has what it takes to be Australia's version of Flintoff.

"Freddy's performances showed what a great genuine all-rounder does for the side," he said from Rawalpindi.

"Obviously it gives the team a lot more options and I'm definitely working really hard and hoping that I get up to Freddy's standard.

"I definitely feel that I've got what it takes. I'm only 24 as well and I'm improving all the time so hopefully I'll be that person and that player for Australian cricket."

Watson has only appeared in one Test to date but could very well double that number when the Australian selectors finalise their side for the super Test that begins on October 14.

Brought to you by AAP AAP © 2024 AAP

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