Shane Watson all praise for Ed Cowan

Watson was very impressed with Cowan's composure on his debut.

Cowan’s impressive debut performance in the first innings might have cast doubts on Watson’s role in the playing eleven but that doesn’t stop Shane Watson from expressing his admiration for his fellow player.

“It’ll be interesting to see where I fit in,” Watson said contemplating about his role in the side.

Watson has been a valuable player for Australia both with the bat and the ball over the last few years. He converted himself into an opener in all the formats to suit the needs of the team.

The 30-year old was left out of the squad as he was recuperating from a hamstring and calf injuries and is now in the peril of missing the entire series.

Boxing Day tests are indeed special and one that the entire world looks up to.

“I’ve played in Boxing Day Tests and it hurts not playing here,” he regretted.

He also said how being an all-rounder suited well for him.

“I couldn’t see myself being anything other than an all-rounder,” he said.

Ed Cowan received his baggy green cap from Dean Jones few minutes before the start of the play on Day One of the Boxing Day test at Melbourne. This said, there were no signs of nervousness or restlessness from the debutant and for most part he in fact looked more comfortable than his in-form partner David Warner.

He went on to make an impressive 68 before he was dismissed over a controversial caught behind decision.

For a debutant, Cowan exuded great maturity and composure, Watson observed.

“Temperament is important. Ed was as in control of his temperament as he was in control of his game,” Watson said.

“Strangely, I wasn’t nervous. I can’t explain why. I was a little anxious when we won the toss and batted, but no more than we would’ve been if I was playing state cricket for Tasmania at Bellerive. Those nerves of wanting to contribute for the team upfront, it’s my job to set the game up. I should’ve been more a lot more nervous. I had to keep pinching myself to think ‘mate, you should be more nervous here, more anxious,’ but being relaxed really helped me through it and it felt like another bat on ball contest,” Ed Cowan had told the media yesterday.

However, Cowan failed to extend his form into the second innings as he was dismissed for just 8 runs.