June 07  
Australia groom Watson for all-rounder role

BRISBANE, Australia: Australia's one-day series against Pakistan next week will offer Shane Watson the chance to show his all-round talent before next year's World Cup, captain Ricky Ponting said on Thursday. Watson made his One-day International debut on Australia's tour to South Africa this year, scoring 37 runs and taking one wicket in four appearances as Ponting's team thrashed the home side 5-1. The 21-year-old from Ponting's home state of Tasmania is the only all-rounder chosen in Australia's 13-man squad for matches in Melbourne on June 12 and 15 and in Brisbane on June 19.

"I wouldn't say that (all-rounders Ian) Harvey and (Andrew) Symonds are gone," Ponting told reporters in Brisbane. "They're not in the squad at the moment, but that doesn't say that they won't be coming to the World Cup next year. "The all-rounder's position is the one that is certainly up for grabs."

Ponting said he had tried to expose Watson to different situations with bat and ball during the South African series. "Hopefully he would have learned from those and gained experience," Ponting said. "He is a talented cricketer and someone that will hopefully keep improving and in these three games hopefully show everyone the talent he has." Australia will be defending their title at the World Cup in South Africa starting next February.