Very disappointing to miss a hundred: Watson

Unable to convert a fifty into a hundred yet again, Australia all-rounder Shane Watson said it was very disappointing to miss out on the milestone on the opening day of the third Test against India at the MCG on Friday.

- Scorecard

"I got out again. I felt I was batting nicely and unfortunately I just got out again. It's very disappointing," Watson said on ABC.

Watson was dismissed for 52 on the opening day of the match. Although the score ended a poor run of form, it was also a missed opportunity for the imposing all-rounder, who has 23 fifties but a mere four centuries.

- Photos from Day 1

"He's a very good starter, now it's important for him to go and get a big score," said Michael Clarke, who was commentating on Channel Nine at the time.

Watson said he would not repeat the mistake.

"It was just an instinctive shot. I'm trying not to think too much out there, apart from just taking on the bowlers.

"I just need to make sure I don't do it next time," he said.

At the end of the day, captain Steven Smith was well-entrenched for his third successive century even though India restricted Australia to 259 for five.

Electing to bat, Smith again was the visitors’ main tormentor, anchoring the innings with an undefeated 72 at stumps.

Image: Australia's Shane Watson bats on Day 1 of the third Test against India at the MCG.

Photograph: Scott Barbour/Getty Images