I have the technique to be an opener: Watson

STAFF WRITER 11:18 HRS IST
Melbourne, Aug 3 (PTI) All-rounder Shane Watson believes he can be a solution to Australia's long-standing opening problem and feels he has the technique and temperament to counter the moving new ball.

"I have absolutely loved the challenge of opening the batting and I feel that I have the technique to open the batting," said Watson, who scored an impressive 62 as a makeshift opener during Australia's first innings in the on-going third Ashes Tests in Birmingham.

"I have no doubt I have the mental and technical aspects to be able to open the batting and consistently do well.

"I just have to perform and form a really good partnership with Simon Katich," he added.

The 28-year-old Tasmanian, however, said he was little nervous initially when asked to replace struggling Phil Hughes at the top.

BCCI rejects anti-doping clause, stands by its players

STAFF WRITER 13:15 HRS IST

Mumbai, Aug 2 (PTI) Strongly backing its players, the BCCI today rejected a controversial WADA anti-doping clause which makes it mandatory for cricketers to be available for out of competition testing, raising the possibility of a fresh stand-off with the ICC.

The BCCI said it has no problem with players being tested as part of the WADA Code but it fully shares their concerns on the 'Whereabouts Clause', which requires them to furnish information about their location three months in advance for out of competition tests.

The decision to back the players was taken at an emergency meeting of the Working Committee which deliberated at length on the issue and wanted the ICC to re-negotiate the code with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh and Harbhajan Singh were present in the meeting.