Shane Watson - I can be as good as Andrew Flintoff

Three for 43 off his 10 overs, a brilliant direct hit run-out and a man of the match
award capped off a sensational days work for Shane Watson, who is staking his
claim to be Australia’s genuine all-rounder, as James Willoughby reports.

The potential had always been there for Watson, but until Game 1 of the Super Series, the Queenslander had never delivered.

Despite a brief moment of success, when he dismissed Nasser Hussain in the final over to hand Australia victory in a thrilling one-day match, he had never taken the world by storm.

But on Wednesday, Watson literally did ‘take the world by storm’.

During the week, the all-rounder claimed he can be as good as English superstar Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff, which is certainly easier said than done.

Watson told Fox Sports of his continuing ambition to match the best cricketer in the world, "He's four years older than me and I know I'll get there.”

“That's where I want to be. And with the people around me, my work ethic and the desperation I have to get to Flintoff's level, I know I'll get there."

Australian skipper Ricky Ponting and coach John Buchanan believe Watson has the talent to fill the number six or seven spot in the batting line-up, plus being able to bowl first change and in long spells a la Flintoff’s marathon 18-over effort at The Oval.

"My batting is up to being in the top six and my bowling is on the improve," Watson said.

"I know I am a good contributor and I back my ability."

From these statements, Watson is obviously confident in his own ability, which is a key ingredient in making a career out of being a sports star, as if you don’t believe in your own talent, you are likely to fail.

But the critics were still in doubt of Watson’s ability – that was until Super Series Game One.

After just making eight runs, Watson had a point to prove and early on trapped danger batsmen Kevin Pietersen LBW with a late in-swinging ball which deceived the batsmen who had won England the Ashes with his fifth day heroics at the Oval.

Only a few deliveries later, Watson had Flintoff miscue a shot down to fine leg, and Brett Lee jogged in anticipation for a comfortable catch.

Although Lee spilled the chance, nothing was getting in the way of Watson’s desire, to get the man he desires to play cricket like.

Flintoff tried to wallop one over the fence, and a tough catch was well taken by Glen McGrath down at long leg, which was the match-defining wicket.

Watson also dismissed the World XI’s top scorer, Sri Lankan Kumar Sangakkara with Ricky Ponting juggling a catch at gully to dismiss the keeper’ for 64.

But there was still more to come.

With the match in the balance, and Flintoff and Pollock still at the crease, the World XI were always a chance.

After clipping a ball of his pads, Pollock ambled down the wicket for one before strolling back for two. The South African started to make a sprint for it, when he saw Watson brilliantly pick the ball up.

As Pollock was charging towards the crease, Watson’s throw cannoned into the stumps, and the World XI skipper was a few metres out of his ground.

And to finish off a marvellous day for Watson, he was awarded the Man of the Match award, as his wickets and run-out helped the Aussies defeat the World’s best.

Watson had been ready to burst onto the scene before back problems started to hinder his performance and progress. Watson has now recovered from his back problems and as we saw yesterday is starting to perform to his potential.

With players like Shane Watson coming through, who says the future of Australian cricket isn’t bright?

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