Cricket: Career high 176 elementary for Watson against spinner

Australia's Shane Watson celebrates his ton on the first day. Photo / AP

Shane Watson's awkward pause and wry smile said it all.

Australia's star of the first day at The Oval was lost for words when asked about England's shock decision to call up unheralded spinner Simon Kerrigan for the dead-rubber fifth test.

Watson had dominated the left-arm orthodox bowler in last week's tour match in Northampton and it was a case of deja vu as he notched a career-best 176.

A ruthless Watson ensured a brutal test cricket initiation for Kerrigan, who was smacked for 28 runs off his opening two overs and delivered some shockers in one of the more embarrassing recent debuts.

A long pause and cheeky grin preceded Watson's response when asked if his eyes lit up when he learned of Kerrigan's selection.

"Once the toss went up and knowing that he was going to play, I certainly understood what he was going to bowl to me," Watson said of Kerrigan, who had 0-53 from eight overs.

"After the last tour match I certainly had a game plan of what I was going to do and I sort of followed on from that in this innings."

With the series already wrapped up, England opted for two spinners at home for the first time since 2009 and also handed a first cap to fast bowler Chris Woakes (0-52).

Watson had expected to be facing hulking paceman Chris Tremlett, who is yet to get a look-in this series.

But he wasn't complaining.

"I was certainly expecting him [Tremlett] to play, more so than Woakes or Kerrigan," Watson said.

"Certainly I'm a bit happier not to face a guy who is six foot eight bowling balls that are bouncing up into your splice all the time."

Paceman James Anderson (2-52) took the crucial wickets of David Warner and Michael Clarke to move ahead of former fast bowler Bob Willis into second on England's all-time list of test wicket-takers with 326.

- AAP