Michael Clarke and Shane Watson to be rested in warm-up match against Sussex

Shane Watson and Michael Clarke rested for Australia’s tour match against Sussex despite their poor performance

Australian skipper Michael Clarke and out-of-form opening batsman Shane Watson will be rested for the three day warm-up match to be played against Sussex, starting on Friday.

After scoring only 102 runs so far in the two concluded Ashes Tests, Michael Clarke was widely believed to be included in the tour match against Sussex commencing on Friday. Likewise, Watson too will be made to warm the bench in spite of his poor performances so far in the series.

The tour match against Sussex would have been an apt platform for both Clarke as well as Watson to get back in form. However, the team’s performance manager believes keeping out Watson, who has got into the tendency of getting out by LBW in three out of his four insignificant innings, will give the all-rounder some time to work on his flaw.

While Watson will remain in London undergoing some net sessions, Clarke will be touring with the inexperienced Australian side which will be captained by Ed Cowan.

Team manager Pat Howard cleared rumours of Watson missing out on the third Ashes Test match to be held at Old Trafford next Thursday and insisted that the right-hander will very much be a part of the squad.

Howard also dismissed reports of the Australian side lacking in unity, following their defeat at Lord’s and will toil to ensure their victory in the third Test in order to avoid a series defeat to England.

Source: Sky SPORTS