Australia Warm Up Well as Watson Stakes Claim

Australia have warmed up for the third Ashes test at Edgbaston with a comfortable win over Northamptonshire at the County Ground.

Setting the Division Two side an unlikely 352 to win inside two sessions on day three the home side fell 135 runs short with Andrew McDonald taking 4 for 15.

The medium pacer has certainly showed Ricky Ponting that he has a role on this Ashes tour but the real impression was made by Shane Watson, who made a half-century in each of the Australian’s innings.

However with the Aussies bowling attack the main concern over the side, Watson’s match figures of 3 for 54 might not be quiet the impact with the ball that the tourists need.

Watson could replace either the misfiring Mitchell Johnson, seamer Peter Siddle or opener Phil Hughes in the side, with McDonald also waiting in the wings for a call up.

Marcus North’s place could also be under threat, as the middle order batsman struggled in both this match and the previous test at Lord’s.

The consistency of the rest of line-up could mean North is left out at the expense of another bowler along with Siddle and Johnson.

Given that Edgbaston is meant to provide a slow batting friendly pitch this may be a smart move for Australia, given the huge workload both sets of bowlers are likely to encounter.

Hughes had some time at the crease against Northants, but it may not be enough to keep him in the side with Watson looking the favourite to replace him.

It’s a good selection headache for Ponting, and speculation as to the side to start the third test will grow and grow before Thursday’s first day.