Australia drop Shane Watson for second Ashes test – report

Watson’s place in the side for the Lord’s test, which starts on Thursday, was called into question after he was twice dismissed lbw after scoring a total of 49 runs and failing to take a wicket in the lost opening test in Cardiff.

The tourists will already be without another experienced former vice captain after wicketkeeper Brad Haddin asked to be omitted from the second test for personal reasons. He will be replaced by debutant Peter Nevill.

Once the golden boy of Australian cricket and still one of the best paid players in the game, Watson’s stock has fallen considerably over the last couple of years.

The 34-year-old lost his place at the top of the batting order – he batted at number six in Cardiff – and his bowling, once considered essential to the balance of the side, has also lost some of its bite.

It was his susceptibility to the front pad lbw dismissal, however, that really galvanised calls for him to make way for 23-year-old Marsh, who impressed in his first test series against Pakistan last year despite Australia being defeated.