I have the skills to open: Watson

Shane Watson believes he can be a solution to Australia's long-standing opening problem and feels he has the technique to counter the moving new ball.

All-rounder Shane Watson believes he can be a solution to Australia8217;s long-standing opening problem and feels he has the technique and temperament to counter the moving new ball.

8220;I have absolutely loved the challenge of opening the batting and I feel that I have the technique to open the batting,8221; said Watson,who scored an impressive 62 as a makeshift opener during Australia8217;s first innings in the on-going third Ashes Tests in Birmingham.

8220;I have no doubt I have the mental and technical aspects to be able to open the batting and consistently do well.

8220;I just have to perform and form a really good partnership with Simon Katich,8221; he added.

The 28-year-old Tasmanian,however,said he was little nervous initially when asked to replace struggling Phil Hughes at the top.

8220;I was probably the most nervous I have been before I went out to bat,but once I got through a few overs I felt fine,8221; Watson was quoted as saying by 8216;The Australian8217;.

8220;To be able to face the fresh English bowlers on a brand-new wicket with a brand-new ball was a great challenge and I really really enjoyed it.

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8220;The development of my technique means I have been able to take it on more comfortably than I did previously. The one opening stint I had 18 months ago was very poor,8221; he said.

8220;But to be able to develop the game I have the past six months,particularly technically,meant I had the best chance to combat the new ball and English bowlers.8221;

He credited former India coach Greg Chappell,who is now the head coach of Cricket Australia8217;s Centre of Excellence in Brisbane,for the improvement in his batting technique.

8220;It was just simplifying my technique so I was not really thinking of anything apart from watching the ball and keeping my mind clear,8221; he said.

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8220;Greg Chappell is the guy I have worked with closely over the past six months to really simplify my game.8221;

Watson also feels his batting colleagues need to apply themselves more to counter the English swing bowlers.

8220;Jimmy is bowling well when the conditions are right and it is swinging around,8221; he said.

8220;There is no doubt that we need to be a bit more patient and a bit more technically solid with our defence and decision-making to make sure he does not go through us again,8221; the right-hander added.