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Australia in India 2008-09

'Physically I am in the best condition' - Watson

Cricinfo staff

October 1, 2008

Shane Watson says his physical condition is excellent but he's currently suffering from viral fever © Getty Images

Shane Watson, the Australian allrounder, has said he is in the best physical condition he has ever been in but does not want to put too much pressure on himself as he tries to fill the allrounder's spot, made vacant by Andrew Symonds' omission from the Test squad.

"Previously I put a lot of pressure on myself in trying to make the most of the chances I got," Watson said. "The last year was the most frustrating. As soon as I felt I was close to an opportunity I would get injured. In a way my body was letting me down."

Despite being around the Australia setup for six years, Watson has played only three Tests as persistent injuries, mainly to his hamstring and shoulder, limited his output. He missed the 2006-07 Ashes and was replaced by Symonds, a situation now reversed after Symonds' exclusion on disciplinary grounds.

Ricky Ponting said Watson, with his technically-correct batting and fast-bowling skills, might have secured a spot in the team even if Symonds was in the squad. He expected Watson to make the XI for the first Test in Bangalore.

"My injuries gave Symonds an opportunity in Test cricket and he's done extremely well over the last couple of years," Watson said. "Now I have to try and make the most of the opportunity. I've been working extremely hard on a number of different things in the last year. I've changed some of the training techniques that I have been using.

"Physically I am in the best condition I have been in, in my whole career. I know I'm giving myself the best chance to be able to perform and get through a Test series. That's all I can ask of myself and I'm very content with the place I am in physically, technically and mentally."

Watson was in India earlier this year, playing for Rajasthan Royals in the inaugural season of the IPL, and he hoped to draw on that experience. "I've played in three of the four grounds [during IPL] we're going to play Tests on [Bangalore, Mohali and Delhi]," Watson said. "Twenty20 is different but it will help that I'm fairly familiar with these venues. It will give me a bit of confidence knowing what to expect at these grounds."

Watson, however, is currently down with viral fever and is a doubtful starter for the tour match against Board President's XI beginning in Hyderabad on Thursday.