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London: All-rounder Shane Watson believes he can be a solution to Australia's long-standing opening problem and feels he has the technique and temperament to counter the moving new ball.
"I have absolutely loved the challenge of opening the batting and I feel that I have the technique to open the batting," said Watson, who scored an impressive 62 as a makeshift opener during Australia's first innings in the on-going third Ashes Tests in Birmingham.
"I have no doubt I have the mental and technical aspects to be able to open the batting and consistently do well.
"I just have to perform and form a really good partnership with Simon Katich," he added.
The 28-year-old Tasmanian, however, said he was little nervous initially when asked to replace struggling Phil Hughes at the top.
"I was probably the most nervous I have been before I went out to bat, but once I got through a few overs I felt fine," Watson was quoted as saying by The Australian.
"To be able to face the fresh English bowlers on a brand-new wicket with a brand-new ball was a great challenge and I really really enjoyed it.
"The development of my technique means I have been able to take it on more comfortably than I did previously. The one opening stint I had 18 months ago was very poor," he said.
"But to be able to develop the game I have the past six months, particularly technically, meant I had the best chance to combat the new ball and English bowlers."
