27th August 2010: Shane Warne has called for Australia to bat Shane Watson at number five in their Test order as a means of protecting the all-rounder from fatigue and further injury.
All-rounder Watson currently opens the batting in Twenty20 International, ODI and Test cricket, while putting in his fair share of overs as a valuable seam option across all three formats.
However, the legendary leg-spinner believes the heavy workload will soon take its toll on the 29-year-old, who has been dogged by injury in the past.
"Watson's going to have to do a lot of bowling this summer," Warne told Radio SEN on Wednesday.
"He has done extremely well. But if you look at the bigger picture in the future, we want Shane playing 100 Test matches for Australia because he's a quality player.
"To do that I think his best position is number five. If we do lose early wickets, to have someone who can open to bat at five or six will be crucial.
"With his bowling, it gives him a bit more time to put his feet up."
Warne also questioned the loyalties of John Buchanan, renowned for his oddball coaching methods, after the former Australian coach took up a post with the English ahead of this year's Ashes.
Buchanan helped Australia win three out of four Ashes series, including the 5-0 whitewash of England in 2006-7, and also coached his country during two successful World Cup campaigns.
The 57-year-old helped England in a consultancy capacity last summer, but it is anticipated he will be taking on a significantly bigger role this time round.
Buchanan will add to the Aussie input already available to England, following the appointment earlier this year of David Saker as their new bowling coach.
"Unfortunately there's probably a few trees which have been cut down for some paper," Warne said of Buchanan.
"It's interesting that he wanted to get involved with England. He was a long time with Australia but now he has defected to the Poms, the enemy.
"That's an advantage for us, him working for England."
Source: http://www.cricket365.com/australia/story/6334582/Warne-Watson-must-not-open-batting
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