Perth:
All-rounder Shane Watson refused to give up on his international career today after being dropped for Australia's record-breaking 275-run World Cup win over Afghanistan.
The powerful right-hander's dual ability with bat and ball has made him an integral part of the limited overs team for many years and he averages over 50 in World Cup cricket.
But he was dropped for Wednesday's game at the WACA to make way for fellow all-rounder James Faulkner, who was returning from injury.
"I believe in myself and my own abilities. If an opportunity comes along, I'll be ready to go," Watson said.
"I know I haven't scored enough runs, so I've only got myself to blame. That's the way it goes."
Watson, who turns 34 in June, was an onlooker as Australia trounced Afghanistan and suffered the ignominy of seeing his name wiped from the record books when he and Ricky Ponting's 252-run partnership in a one-day international for Australia was passed by David Warner and Steve Smith.
Watson's individual Australian record of 185 not out also looked set to fall, until Warner holed out for 178.
Australia captain Michael Clarke said Watson had not shown any disappointment during the match, even though Faulkner made just seven in the team's World Cup record total of 417.
"I thought 'Watto' handled it really well," said. "It's obviously a tough decision for the selectors. He was fantastic around the group all day."
Watson has played 182 ODIs and 56 Tests in his career and from 2012-2014 he was Australia's best-paid cricketer.
