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I’ll get on the front foot right from the start: I am an unashamed and regular critic, like many, of Australia’s current number three, Shane Watson.
It’s not because I don’t like the bloke. I have nothing against him, despite his regular DRS related brain fades, a general tardiness in completing certain homework tasks, and some questionable wicket celebrations throughout the years.
Watson has become the epitome of frustration on a cricket field.
He has always been capable of more than he’s produced for his country. Despite a respectable output thus far, which has put him in the top ten all-rounders Australia has ever produced, there’s just been something about Shane Watson to suggest his potential was never fully realised.
Why? That’s anyone’s guess.
The inconsistency of his career has lately caused the catchphrase “[insert sportsman’s name/animal/intimate object here] should replace Watson at three” to spread over social media across the country – ever more so than the debate about whether ‘the dress’ was black and blue or gold and white (it was black and blue, for what it’s worth).
While it is more than common now for a sports person to be jumped on by social media, it seems simpler in this case as to why Watson is so harshly judged.
The criticism isn’t due to any doubt over Watson’s ability. The general sentiment shared among cricket fans is that Watson absolutely should be picked in the Australian Test and ODI sides.
Instead, the issue with Watson has become the familiar tale of should’ve, could’ve, would’ve.
Both with the bat and the ball, he has teased us with moments of sheer brilliance that have proved that he can be a match winner in all forms of the game.
From his devastating spell of 5 for 17 against South Africa in Cape Town in 2011 (although Australia being bowled out for 47 in the next innings may have overshadowed that), to his highest score of 176 against England at The Oval in 2013, Watson has more than proven he can perform on the world stage.
It is the fact that Watson has at times made his talents so clear for the cricket world to see that has led to the vehement criticism he receives.
Ultimately, the Queenslander who broke into the all-conquering Aussie Test side in 2005, and has since played 56 Test matches since, has held a career which has become the ultimate tease for Australian cricket fans.
We are forever aware of what the man could do on any given day, how he could make big hundreds and put his country ahead in the game, he could produce the partnership-breaking delivery and take two or three more.
All too often though, Watson has instead nicked to first slip and thrown away a start, or bowled 10 overs without looking remotely dangerous.
Watson has regularly often left the public wanting more, leading to frustration with his output.
The one-time Australian Test captain has become victim of the lofty expectations placed on him, and this lack of consistent performance has led to his position as the public’s whipping boy.
Having scored only four Test centuries in his career, despite notching up 24 half-centuries, Watson’s conversion rate at the top of the order has frequently brought criticism his way, and when combined more recently with a decreased influence with the ball, the critics have demanded his omission from the Test side.
So how exactly will Shane Watson be remembered?
As the all-rounder who has made over 10,000 runs and taken over 270 wickets for his country in all forms?
Or, much more likely, as someone who was never able to meet the lofty expectations – however unfair or unreasonable – set upon him by the public?
However many hypotheticals you may throw up about what could have been different for him, without injuries, or holding a stable position in the batting order, Watson’s career has been one of glimpses. Glimpses of what he could do, that were so good, that left us demanding the full treat.
Ultimately when retirement comes knocking, he will be remembered as a player whose brilliance was ever-present, but all too rarely shown.
How do you think Shane Watson’s career will be remembered?
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