Here we go. Different online title as to what was in the paper.
Critics turn on Watson
By Peter Badel in Auckland
February 18, 2007
A NEW Zealand radio station has called him a "myth", but Shane Watson has urged critics to stand by him as the besieged all rounder confronts a worrying form slump leading up to the World Cup.
Watson heads into the second Chappell-Hadlee limited overs clash in Auckland today under pressure after another lacklustre performance in the series opener in Wellington.
Batting at No.7, the Queenslander scored just eight. He then conceded 28 runs from the four overs he bowled as Lou Vincent and Stephen Fleming blasted the Kiwis to a 10-wicket victory.
Watson, who overcame a hamstring injury to play in the Commonwealth Bank finals against England, has averaged 125 with the ball and scored 54 runs at 18 with the bat since his return.
And his struggles have been noted, with the New Zealanders taking the long handle to him after Friday's embarrassing defeat.
The 25-year-old has been earmarked as Australia's next great all rounder, but he admits the road back from injury has been challenging.
"After being out for so long, it takes a while to get your head around playing at the next level so this series is important for me to get things in order," he said.
"I was disappointed with the way the ball came out (of my hand) at times (in Australia).
"Like anything, it takes you a little while to get back to where you left off.
"The best bowlers like McGrath and Warne take time to get back to their best after injury, so I'm not getting too hard on myself because I know it will take a bit of time to get up to speed.
"I've learned to be patient, but this is a really important series for me."
Since his international return, Watson has taken 1-51 and 0-46 against England in the Commonwealth Bank finals. After the Wellington nightmare, he was left with figures of 1-125 from 20 overs, meaning Watson has conceded more than a run a ball.
With the bat, he has scored 9, 37 and 8, prompting many to question whether he has done enough to clinch a World Cup berth.
But Watson, who averages 29.19 with the bat and 33.06 with the ball in the limited overs arena, is determined to deliver in the Caribbean.
"A big goal for me is to have a really good World Cup with the ball like I did in India in the Champions Trophy," he said. "In the end, you want to earn selection on your merits by performing. You don't worry about the critics, I'm worried about performing.
"The expectation will be there but I have high expectations of myself anyway. I want to be one of the best all rounders, I want to be a guy who can contribute in Tests and one-dayers with both the bat and the ball."
Stand-in skipper Michael Hussey backed Watson, who will bat at seven after being flagged as a potential opener.
"I spoke to Ricky (Ponting) before we came away and we are keen to leave Watson in the middle order," Hussey said. "Obviously we're giving him advice but he has to be the one (performing) out in the middle. He'll get better and better with experience. He's a fine player."
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,21241790-23212,00.html
