Watson back on the block

Yet another Test lbw

SHANE Watson’s Test career is now hanging by a thread, and this time it’s for real.

The battling all-rounder failed when Australia needed him most in the first Ashes Test in Cardiff, the latest chapter in a wholly unsatisfying tale, as the tourists collapsed to be all out for 308 — giving up a 122-run first innings lead.

Watson had a massive opportunity to show he could stand up under pressure, but added just one run to his overnight score to be trapped by Stuart Broad for 30 in the second over of day three — sparking a collapse where Australia lost 5-44 within 14.5 overs in the opening session.

To make matters worse, star fast bowler Mitchell Starc is still battling an ankle injury and was unable to come out for the second innings straight away.

It’s true that Watson was on the unlucky side to be given out lbw on field, and he certainly wasn’t on his own in throwing away a golden start.

All the Australian batsmen from No.3 to No.6 fell in the 30s, the first time that’s happened in Test history.

And the heat is now well and truly on Australia’s ageing roster, particularly 37-year-old Brad Haddin after the veteran wicket-keeper’s lean run with the bat continued, out for 22.

However, the reality for Watson is he has made coming up short and getting out lbw an unfortunate art form now for more than a decade.

Mitchell Marsh is waiting in the wings with two big hundreds already this tour, and the young star who could be a 10year all-rounder for Australia can’t be held back forever.

By picking Watson for this Test they showed they had learnt from the muddle they made during the World Cup when they dropped the 34year-old for Marsh, before changing their mind four days later.

Rod Marsh and Darren Lehmann got it right showing faith in Watson’s experience and bowling economy for the Ashes opener, because now they can reassess and make a call on the crucial position for the second Test at Lord’s and never look back.

Watson surely now needs wickets in the second innings to validate the argument that his bowling is superior to the pacier and more dynamic Marsh.

He survived one big shout from Broad (2-60), but not a second and when Marais Erasmus lifted his finger, Watson’s career must have flashed before his eyes.

It’s the 13th time Watson has been out lbw against England, and in 108 Test innings, he has been trapped in front an extraordinary 28 times.