`Punter pitches for Watson as replacement for Test opener Langer

Australian captain Ricky Ponting has said that all-rounder Shane Watson could replace retired opener Justin Langer in the Australian Test squad.

Sydney, Aug.28 : Australian captain Ricky Ponting has said that all-rounder Shane Watson could replace retired opener Justin Langer in the Australian Test squad.

Ponting today endorsed Watson, by saying that his performance as an opener in the one-day version of the game has been encouraging enough to merit a regular Test spot.

Ponting thinks the 26-year-old Queenslander could fit the bill at the top, while giving him the luxury of having Andrew Symonds as the second all-rounder at No.7 in the batting order.

Australia host Sri Lanka for two Tests in November before taking on India.

Watson will be on tour with the one-day side in India in October while West Australian Chris Rogers and NSW batsman Phil Jaques, who has played two Tests, aim to put early runs on the board at Pura Cup level.

"Maybe Watson and Symmo can play in the same side. If that happens, Watson's got to bat up the top of the order somewhere. He has given every indication that he could do that," the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Ponting as telling reporters at a camp in Coolum.

"We've got some excellent competition for quite a few spots in the side. The opening batting is probably the one that has been the most spoken about over the past few months. It probably will come down to who is doing the best at the start of the season," he added.

ANI