‘Chastened’ Australia ‘geared to getting everything right for Ashes opener’: Watson

Australian all-rounder Shane Watson has said that lessons learned from the 2009 Ashes series loss have ensured that there will be “no excuses” if his team succumbs to England again during the 2010-11 series which starts in Brisbane on Thursday.

“It’s always been in the back of our minds. Since the Ashes loss everything has been geared to getting everything right before this first Test,” the Age quoted Watson, as saying.

“We are in a very good place now – there will be no excuses,” he added.

The 29-year-old, who being seen as one of the keys to Australia’s chances in the series, further said that he is looking to make a difference with both bat and ball.

“It’s the biggest moment for an Australian cricketer – to be part of an Ashes series. Especially when we need to win the Ashes back. It’s no doubt going to be a huge challenge – the way it can swing around, the seam movement and bounce (at the Gabba),” Watson said.

“But you’ve got to relish the challenge. It’s the biggest series of my life. You have to take it on head on, this is about playing for your country. Hopefully me and Kato (Simon Katich) can really get through the first hour or two and set the platform for the team,” he added.