Ashes 2013: 4th Test, Day 2 - Heroes of the Day

Shane Watson (68 runs from 134 balls – 7 fours)

The blond all-rounder finally came good with the bat in this series as he recorded an Ashes half-century after struggling in the first three Tests. Joining the well-set Chris Rogers with his side struggling at 76/4, Watson proceeded to play an innings that had just the right mix of caution and aggression.

Quickly getting his eye in, Watson opened up his broad shoulders as boundary after sublime boundary flew off his blade. He progressed to his half-century without fuss, and was shaping up for a bigger knock when a rank poor leg-side delivery from Stuart Broad saw him attempting to flick it, and edging the ball behind to Matt Prior, who took a superb low catch.

Nevertheless, an excellent knock from the all-rounder; his 129-run partnership with Rogers pulled Australia out of the woods into relative safety.