Watson to open in Ashes: Lehmann Watson opened the batting for the Australians in their opening tour match against Somerset in Taunton on Wednesday, and that's how it will stay for the big English summer ahead, with Chris Rogers and Ed Cowan most likely vying for the right to partner him. Australia were 0-2 at stumps after facing just one over. Fast bowlers Mitchell Starc (4-33) and James Pattinson (4-56) starred with the ball, but the talking point was Watson. In various other roles in the order he's struggled for consistency but Lehmann has given Watson an assurance he'll lead off for Australia in the first Test against England at Trent Bridge in two weeks time. "Watson will open in the Test series, that's no dramas for me at all," said Lehmann. We're quite keen for him to open and to have a big part in the Ashes. Cowan and recalled veteran Rogers will now fight it out for the right to partner Watson in the first Test - unless Lehmann decides he wants Rogers at No.3. Rogers has the runs on the board in English county cricket and is the favourite, but Cowan has the luxury of playing this match in Taunton. Watson's backing at the top makes it even more certain the suspended David Warner will move to the middle order if he can win a place for the first Test. The new coach said he was in heaven coaching the Australian team as a self-proclaimed cricket "nuffy." Lehmann liked what he saw out of Nathan Lyon (1-75) early, but wants more consistency. He said there was no injury drama with Ryan Harris and that he and Jackson Bird would both get a bowl in the second tour match against Worcestershire. Lehmann praised James Faulkner's (1-70) competitive spirit, but said the bowling allrounder would need runs to secure a spot. "He's a competitor ... that's how we want to play all our games," he said.