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Watson - Give me the ball

Image: Dual threat: Watson

Australia opener Shane Watson is keen to increase his bowling workload during the Ashes.

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Opening batsman wants to add to Australia's bowling firepower

Australia all-rounder Shane Watson is keen to shoulder an increased bowling workload during the Ashes series. Watson has forged an impressive Test opening partnership alongside Simon Katich since being given his chance at the top of the order on the 2009 tour of England. But the 29-year-old believes he can also have an impact with his medium-pace bowling, which has so far yielded 40 wickets at 28.20 in 22 Tests. "I feel in a really good place with my bowling at the moment," said Watson, who seems to have overcome the injury problems that plagued the early part of his career.

Increased pace

"I felt like I bowled really well (in the one-day series against Sri Lanka). I was able to swing the ball at better pace than what it has been. "I feel like I'm bowling probably better than I have in my career because I'm able to swing the ball and control the ball a lot more than I was able to a couple of years ago. I think I will bowl a bit more throughout this summer." Watson has the opportunity to press his claims for more overs during New South Wales' back-to-back Sheffield Shield clashes ahead of the first Ashes Test in Brisbane, starting on November 25. Watson claimed 1-35 from 10 overs on the opening day against Victoria at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Hauritz struggles
Meanwhile, New South Wales off-spinner Nathan Hauritz, looking to secure his spot for the Ashes opener, bowled nine wicketless overs costing 57 runs as Victoria reached 211-4, mainly thanks to David Hussey's 102 not out. Australia captain Ricky Ponting was another in Sheffield Shield action on Wednesday. Ponting hit five boundaries before falling to Queensland seamer James Hopes, for 32. Hopes' team-mate, fast bowler Ryan Harris, improved his prospects of an Ashes call with 3-50, as Tasmania closed on 120-4 in the 49 overs possible on day one at the Bellerive Oval.

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