shane watson

Born: 17.06.1981
State: Queensland
Tests: 3
Role: All-rounder
Bat: Right-hand
Bowl: Right-hand fast-medium
Bat Average: 20.25
Bowl Average: 61.50

Few Australians saw their stock rise as the Ashes were relinquished last summer, but Shane Watson was one such player despite not featuring in the side.

As England showed Australia the benefits of a five-man attack with a genuine all-rounder, Australian thoughts immediately turned to Watson.

Watson may not be in Andrew Flintoff's class, but he is the nearest thing Australia possess.

A hard-hitting batsman with a first-class average nudging 50, he has enough quality to bat at six, one place above Adam Gilchrist.

His bowling is less destructive, but he has enough pace and movement to be a more-than adequate fourth seamer, or third if Australia opt for two spinners.

A dislocated shoulder forced Watson to sit and watch as Andrew Symonds filled the all-rounder's role.

But Symonds has failed to take the chance. A batting average under 20 and a bowling average over 45 from 10 Tests make uninspiring reading, and if Australia decide to go for an allrounder, it looks set to be Watson rather than Symonds due to his greater bowling threat.

Tellingly, Australia coach John Buchanan has been talking up Watson's chances, saying the Queenslander has made "big strides" with both bat and ball in recent months.

Getting in the Australia side is a tough task for any player, but Watson may face an even tougher task this winter; winning his personal duel with Flintoff.