SHANE Watson revealed Australia’s preparations for next summer’s Ashes series begin today in the first one-day international against England at Lord’s. Watson has been involved in two Ashes series defeats and nothing fuels his competitive fires more than the prospect of winning back the urn on English soil. Although today’s game is the start of a short one-day international series, Watson insists the experience will be vital to Australia’s Ashes campaign in 12 months time.
“After being involved in two Ashes losses now, it is a burning desire inside me to be a part of a successful Ashes series,” Watson said.
“Any time you play against England you want success. It is the ultimate rivalry and the ultimate challenge for an Australian cricketer, to play against England and win.
“I haven’t been a part of that in Test matches and now is a time to be able to put some things in place so we can have some success when we come back here during the Ashes. We can learn about the cricket we need to play to beat the English over here.
“The England and Australian rivalry is the ultimate and whenever we get the chance to play against England in Test cricket or one-day cricket it is a very exciting prospect for everyone.”
Australia are ranked number one in the world in ODIs but England are on the back of a record run of six successive series victories on home soil in the 50-over format.
England are set to go into the match with five specialist bowlers, with Tim Bresnan batting at number seven – which is something Watson and the Australians are looking to exploit.
“For England to be able to go in with four frontline quick bowlers is a very good thing for them against our batting line-up – but if we are able to make inroads into their batting early they may be one short,” Watson said.
“We see as very important for us to have success here is to try and make early inroads. That has been one of England’s strengths over the last period of time, to be able to score heavily. We know if we are able to make inroads it may expose a part of the England team that hasn’t been exposed.”