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Australia all-rounder Shane Watson has admitted he "didn't score enough runs" and deserved to be dropped following the first Ashes Test in Cardiff.
Having made just 11 and 25 in his two innings against West Indies in Australia's Caribbean tour, which preceded their trip to England, Watson was dismissed for 30 and 19 in the first Test at Sophia Gardens - both times trapped lbw, which has been a fatal flaw throughout his career.
Watson was dropped in favour of Mitchell Marsh for the second Test at Lord's and although the former is convinced he still has something to offer at cricket's highest level, the 34-year-old concedes he did not deserve to hold his place in the team this time around.
"After the first Test I was very disappointed to miss out but in the end I only have myself to blame," Watson told Cricket Australia's website on Tuesday.
"I have been very lucky and fortunate through my career to have plenty of opportunities and I just didn't score enough runs, it's as simple as that.
"In the [preceding two-Test series against West Indies] and the first Test as well.
"I am just disappointed in myself that I wasn't able to perform well enough to be a part of such an exciting Ashes series.
"I'll just have to see what happens in the future, but in the end the most important thing is that whoever goes out onto the field we put on the best showing we possibly can to get back in this series."
Watson averages 35.19 with the bat at Test level, including four centuries, but since the start of 2014 he has only managed 27.50 and has failed to reach three figures.
But despite the numbers indicating his career is on the slide, Watson remains bullish about the future.
"I still feel I have got a lot to give," he said.
"I still feel I am only getting better and improving in all formats.
"While I'm still really loving playing, enjoying every single moment and trying to get better every time I play and train I want to keep playing as long as that's still there."
Watson added: "I still want to play for Australia so wherever the opportunities arise I will be playing to be able to continue to be able to get the best out of myself and push for selection.
"I still feel like I have got a lot of good cricket left in me."