Third Ashes Test: Five players who need to stand up and be counted

2. Shane Watson

Never before has the spot light been placed on a player as it has been on Watson. Being labelled as selfish, difficult to deal with and even allegedly called “cancer” over the past few weeks can be difficult to handle. Vilified beyond any reasonable consideration, there is only one thing for the man to do – stand up.

Gifted with both bat and ball, the all rounder has ability given only to a very select few. Being the heart of the Aussie top order, when he starts going, it will fuel a renaissance in the team’s batting fortunes. Scoring at a brisk pace, he has destroyed many a bowler’s confidence.

He has got to stand up and nullify Anderson, who has been a thorn in the flesh for Australia this Ashes. Nullifying Anderson with the new ball will impact the English plans and allow the middle order to then control the game in the middle of the innings.