The ‘net hero’ sledge behind Shane Watson’s new Ashes feud

SHANE Watson wants to hurt one particular English fast bowler and the feeling is mutual. A recent heated incident between the pair explains why.

Shane Watson celebrates with Steve Smith after took great catch to dismiss Rohit Sharma during Day 5 of 4th Test Australia v India at the SCG. pic. Phil Hillyard

SHANE Watson once called his new Ashes rival Mark Wood a “net hero”.

Now Wood wants to make the Australian all-rounder pay for it with a “bumper” barrage when the first Test begins next Wednesday in Cardiff.

Watson is in a hot selection battle with all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, but his real rivalry is with Wood after the English fast bowler promised to go after Watson this series.

The 25-year-old said he still has Watson’s “net hero” sledge ringing in his ears after a heated incident while Watson trained in county side Durham’s nets before Wood had even made his first-class debut in 2011.

“The person I’m really looking forward to is Shane Watson,” Wood told the BBC.

“I had a famous incident with him in the Durham nets. I remember Michael Hussey asking me to bounce Watson — to which I wasn’t going to say no. I let him have one, he’s gloved it, and he didn’t give me the best of looks.

Mark Wood wants to “bump” Shane Watson.

“Next ball, Hussey said: ‘Give it him again,’ so I’ve bumped him again, and this time he’s absolutely smoked it, picked up the ball, threw it back down the wicket at me, called me a ‘net hero’ and said that he would like to have a go at me.

“Well, he’s going to get his chance, so I’d like to have a go at Shane Watson one more time, and let’s hope he remembers me, because he’s going to get a few more bumpers.”

Wood said he expects Watson to return his fire if selected and has warned Michael Clarke’s men he won’t take a backwards step this series.

“I’d like to think a few of the Australians don’t know much about us and aren’t looking forward to facing me,” he said.

‘I’ll certainly stand up for myself if the Australians have a go. I won’t be taking a backward step, but I’ll still be trying to have some fun.

“If Jimmy and Broady can start well and put some pressure on the Australians, it gives me and Stokesy a chance to come on and express ourselves.”