Dropped Watson can return to Australian team: Coach Lehmann

London, July 17 - Australia coach Darren Lehmann has said dropped all-rounder Shane Watson can make a comeback to the team, insisting "he's got plenty of cricket left in him".

Watson was dropped from the Australian team for the second Test against England, which began on Thursday here at the Lord's cricket ground, in the ongoing Ashes series. Promising all-rounder Mitchell Marsh was named as Watson's replacement in the team.

Watson was omitted from the team after scores of only 30 and 19 in the first Test at Cardiff last week, following a prolonged batting slump. Australia lost the first Test by 169 runs to trail the five-match Test series 0-1.

But Darren Lehmann had only words of hope for the senior player.

"Shane has been a little bit disappointing with his runs and it's a tight call, he's been an experienced player for us. Mitch Marsh has done everything we could ask for behind scenes and first two tour games he's in good form," Lehmann was quoted as saying by espncricinfo.com on Thursday.

"We went with experience in the first Test, this Test we have gone with Mitch Marsh. Tough call on Shane but I'm sure he's got plenty of cricket left in him. I think it's a case of him getting back and obviously got a county game next week he'll play in and try find some form back and keep putting his name in front of selectors." 

Lehmann said the 34-year-old all-rounder can stage a similar comeback to the team like he did when he was dropped during Australia's triumphant march at the World Cup.

"A chance very much like the World Cup where he got dropped and came back into side, so really form will dictate what Shane does," Lehman added.

(IANS)