Sydney, Jan 17(ANI): Australian all-rounder Shane Watson had dragged the team from wretchedness and apparently inevitable defeat to memorable victory in the first ODI against England, noted cricket commentator Peter Roebuck has said.
Roebuck's remark comes after Watson scored a career-best 161 not out as Australia defeated England by six wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday.
"Watson batted with the vigour needed to lift tense comrades. Driving forcefully and clubbing cleverly, the Queenslander set about the task of pursuing the remote," Roebuck wrote in his syndicated column for the Sydney Morning Herald.
"If his straight drives were majestic his clouts over mid-wicket were damaging as a toll was taken of the tweakers."
"In the past 12 months this combative and once fragile all-rounder has become the most important cricketer in the country. Here he joined Brett Lee as among those committed to turning the team's fortunes around," he added.
The 29-year-old hit 12 fours and faced 150 deliveries in a stunning display, his fifth ODI century.
The 295 run chase was also the highest successful run-chase at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in ODI history. (ANI)
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