Watson aims to be new Flintoff

Shane Watson wants to be the new Freddie Flintoff, who was the new Ian Botham, who wasn't the new anyone ... © Getty Images

Just as the English allrounder Andrew Flintoff spent the early years of his career striving to become the new Ian Botham, the Australian Shane Watson has now set his sights on becoming the new Freddie. Watson said on Wednesday that he had been inspired by Flintoff's Man-of-the-Series performance in England's 2-1 Ashes victory against Australia and hoped to face him in next month's Super Series Test in Sydney.

Watson, 24, is currently on tour with Australia A in Pakistan and said he wanted to become Australia's version of Flintoff. "Freddie's performances showed what a great genuine allrounder does for the side," he told AAP from Rawalpindi. "Obviously it gives the team a lot more options and I'm definitely working really hard and hoping that I get up to Freddie's standard.

"I definitely feel that I've got what it takes. I'm only 24 as well and I'm improving all the time so hopefully I'll be that person and that player for Australian cricket." Flintoff, 27, scored 402 runs from 10 innings in the Ashes series and took 24 wickets at an average of 27.29, winning comparisons with Botham, England's last great allrounder.

Watson has the full backing of Trevor Hohns, Australia's chairman of selectors. "We consider it's time to make some adjustments to the batting line-up," said Hohns. "Watson gives the squad added flexibility."