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Who should make way for Shane Watson?

17th February, 2014
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Guess who? (AFP photo / Glyn Kirk)
Expert
17th February, 2014
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3578 Reads

With Australia’s crushing win in the first Test against South Africa involving contributions from almost every player in the team, the task for the national selectors before the second Test would seem relatively straightforward.

Alas, when it comes to Test cricket selections, nothing is as straightforward as it may seem, especially when it involves the perplexing Shane Watson.

In a contender for understatement of the year, Watson is a polarising character.

For every vocal Watson fan, there is an equally verbose Watson detractor. For every individual enamoured with Watson’s ability and potential, there is an individual extremely disappointed by his perceived lack of performance.

Personally, I can’t figure out which camp I belong to. On some days I find myself cursing at yet another Watson ‘failure’, then vehemently defending him the very next day. As I said, Watson is certainly polarising.

It would seem the selectors sit firmly in the ‘Watson fan’ camp, however, it won’t be as easy as simply picking him once he’s fully fit again, as they’ll need to decide who – if anyone – makes way for his re-selection.

So who are the contenders to be dropped if the selectors feel the burly all-rounder is a selection certainty?

Watson doesn’t bowl enough overs to justify dropping any of the four bowlers, and I’m fairly certain he won’t be taking the wicket-keeper gloves off Brad Haddin, which leaves the six batsmen as the only candidates to make way for Watson.

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Of those, Michael Clarke, Dave Warner and Steve Smith aren’t going anywhere; I’d bet my house they won’t be dropped for Watson.

Alex Doolan took Watson’s spot at number three in the batting line-up and made a polished 27 in the first innings, followed by a gritty and impressive 89 in the second innings.

Considering the bowling attack and the difficult pitch, Doolan’s performances ensure that he should feel extremely hard done by if he is dropped.

Likewise, Shaun Marsh would feel somewhat comfortable that he will retain his spot after being the leader run scorer in the opening Test of the series, composing an excellent 148 and a tough 44 across the two innings.

He’s also a darling of the selectors, so it’s difficult to see them dropping him after he finally repaid their faith in him.

Which brings us to Chris Rogers.

Rogers scored two hundreds in the home Ashes series, and averaged 46.30, providing some long sought-after stability at the top of the batting order.

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However, he failed in the first Test versus South Africa, compiling just four and one, dragging his overall Test average down to a still respectable 37.13.

Yet I suspect the two figures that may come into calculations when discussing whether Rogers should keep his spot are actually 36 and 0.

The first is Rogers advanced age. The second is the amount of Test overs that he has bowled.

If the selectors spend too much time looking at the opener’s birth certificate, or feel that they need Watson’s all-round ability, then Rogers might be on shaky ground.

It would seem harsh to drop Rogers considering his solid performances since earning a late-career call-up to the Australian team, but the simple fact is that 12 does not go into 11.

Someone the selectors rate is clearly going to need to be dropped. It will be a hard decision, but it’s going to have to be made.

Coach Darren Lehmann has spoken publicly of the benefit of having Watson in the team, with his skill-set providing plenty of flexibility and options for captain Michael Clarke.

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Though there is the justified perception that Watson has underperformed in his career, he remains a valuable asset – both in theory and reality. It would therefore be a massive call to leave him on the sidelines.

Needles to say, the selectors will soon be required to answer some extremely difficult questions.

Do they punt Doolan despite him looking – and delivering – the goods so far?

Drop Marsh after he top scored and repaid the selectors faith in the first Test?

Axe Rogers, and practically end the international career of a player Australia has counted on for stability during his short time wearing the baggy green?

Or decide that the somewhat frustrating experiment that is Shane Watson is on hold, perhaps forever.

Selector bashing is a favourite pastime in Australia, and something I’ve been guilty of myself many times. However, the national selection panel, headed by John Inverarity, have a very difficult decision coming soon, and I, for one, do not envy them.

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Though Watson being ruled out of the second Test may bide the selectors some time, along with giving Doolan, Marsh and Rogers another opportunity to cement their positions, the fact remains that a very tough call will need to be made sooner or later.

Forget the kudos that gambles such as Mitch Johnson and Shaun Marsh have earned the selectors, for they’re about to really earn their money.

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