SHANE Watson scored a dominant century as Darren Lehmann’s first selection call in charge of Australia paid immediate dividends at Worcestershire.

Lehmann confirmed before this final Ashes warm-up that Watson and Chris Rogers would form a new opening partnership in the first Test against England on July 10.
And the pair enjoyed their first outing together, putting on 170 for the first wicket, Watson leading the way with 109 in 111 balls for a first international century since October 2010. Rogers added 75 at a more leisurely pace but both men did precisely what Lehmann required of them as the tourists moved to 248 for two at tea.
Quite how much Australia can read into the stand is questionable given the modest nature of the Worcestershire attack operating without leading wicket-taker Alan Richardson, but Lehmann will nonetheless be delighted.
Watson was particularly dominant, hitting 14 fours and two sixes, while Rogers found the ropes 12 times in his 127-ball stay.
At lunch the score was 150 without loss but having feasted well in the morning session, Watson fell in the fifth over after the interval.
The manner of his dismissal, a pre-meditated slog-sweep against Moeen Ali’s off-spin that was top-edged straight to Jack Shantry at fine-leg, suggested he was already content with his day’s work. As he walked off, the foundations for Australia’s Test batting line-up had been well laid.
Rogers was joined by Ed Cowan, auditioning for the number three spot, and the pair added 37 in 10.3 overs – six of them coming when Cowan deposited an Ali full toss into the stands.
Rogers had reached 75 when his diligent innings came to an end, Shantry finding a leading edge.
Worcestershire managed to dry up the scoring after Clarke’s arrival and at one stage Shantry and Charlie Morris sent down 38 dot balls in a row. (PA Sport)