Shane Watson.

'Watto' has escaped his usual wrath from the sporting public lately thanks to the actions of those people and also the performances of Mitch Marsh since the Australian squad arrived in the U.K.

But now on the eve of the Ashes it is not only shaping as a huge series for Australia but also as one of the biggest in Watson's career.

A player that has so often been the target of ridicule from the Australian and cricket public is under real pressure to retain his place.

The sounds from the Australian camp seem to hint that Watson will play the first test, starting tonight, but with Marsh's impressive progress it seems the injury-prone all-rounder will get few more chances to finally cement his place.

If he does get dropped for this test or even later in the series it could will bring to an end the most debated cricket career in recent Australian history.

And if it does come to an end then there will be large portion of fans who will no doubt remember Watson as a player who never reached his potential, somewhat comically fell short of centuries and whose career was ravaged by injuries.

But this series is also an opportunity for Watson.

While many of us, myself included, have called for Watson's head many times throughout his career one man has stuck by him - Michael Clarke.

Watson has been demoted down the order but Clarke has always spoken highly of him and said countless times he has a role to play.

He can repay all that trust this series and there is no doubt his lower order batting and medium pace could be crucial in the English conditions if he's on form.

But that is a very big 'if'.

If he doesn't work there is no doubt Mitch Marsh can make that spot in the side his.

Much like Watson's career it's hard to predict what's going to happen next but there's no doubt I'll be tuning in to see how it all pans out.

And also, Australia to win the series 3-1.