Ed Cowan faces stiff challenge to save his spot with the return of Shane Watson © Getty Images
Australian coach Mickey Arthur has kept faith in Ed Cowan to come good in the upcoming series against India, starting February 22.
Cowan’s place in the team has come under scrutiny after mixed performances at the opening slot, which is in danger with the return of Shane Watson. The pressure extended further on the left-handed batsman after the Australian vice-captain Watson revealed that he will not be bowling in the four-match Test series.
Cowan’s spot is believed to be in threat and reports suggest that he might be dropped to accommodate an aggressive opening pair of Watson and David Warner.
The Tasmanian batsman, however, found support from the coach who told Fox Sports, “Ed has come out of these practice games with his head held high. We've got to look again (at the squad) and see what we think is going to be the best possible way of winning.”
Cowan has scored 40, 53 and 58 in the two warm-up games played so far.
Arthur also added that the final decision will depend upon the availability of Warner, who is nursing a thumb injury which he picked up during a training session during the series against the West Indies.
"That would be a tough call (to drop Cowan) but that's something we have to only weigh up once Davey Warner is fit or not fit," Athur said.
Arthur remains confident that Warner, who was smacked on the hand by a Mitchell Johnson delivery in the nets last month, will get the green light to face the Indians. "I'm pretty sure and confident he'll come through but he hasn't faced any quicks yet. He's been doing a lot of batting against spin, which has been fantastic. He hasn't faced pace bowling, that's the only concern, but he ticks that box today," he said.
The Kangaroos begin their campaign with a four-match Test series starting February 22 at the M A Chidambaram stadium in Chennai.
First Published: February 19, 2013, 4:58 pm
