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Picking on Shane Watson is in vogue again, which is unsurprising considering his lack of runs in the Caribbean.
When it comes to potential replacements, one of the more tempting proposals is to play all four specialist quicks and Nathan Lyon because of the Australian tail’s batting skill.
The problem with this plan is that it would be unwise to expect Brad Haddin to have another series like he did last time against England in Australia, considering his comparative lack of runs since. It is reasonable to expect Haddin to chip in at some point, but let us be grateful for what he is, rather than try to expect him to be something he isn’t.
So do we keep Watson? Do we need a fifth bowler, considering the various part-time spin bowling options Australia has?
Australia’s last victory in England was at Headingley, where despite the presence of Watson and Marcus North, Australia only used four bowlers in both innings. Ditto the previous win in England, which occurred at Lord’s in 2005.
This is a roundabout way of saying that Watson’s place in the side should depend on whether he is one of the best six batsmen. If Mitch and Shaun Marsh are better batsmen, then they should be in the side, particularly as Mitch’s Test bowling statistics aren’t the best measure of his skill. Likewise if there is a better batsman outside the squad, such as James Faulkner or Joe Burns, they should replace Watson.
Shaun Marsh’s inability to score a hundred in the second innings in Jamaica may have saved Watson for now, but runs at Cardiff and Lord’s are the only way to keep the competitors at bay.
Of course, if Watson is kept, there is still the quandary over which quicks should play. To say I do not envy the selectors’ call is a massive understatement.
Ryan Harris was left out of the first Test in 2013 at Trent Bridge. Barring fitness concerns, I’ll juggle with a bag of loose soot if there is a repeat of that, considering his skill and how much Michael Clarke loves having his bowling.
But then who do you leave out?
Hazlewood’s man of the series performance against the West Indies makes him a lock for the Ashes. Despite Mitchell Johnson being fractionally shaded by Mitchell Starc in the West Indies and being slower than the last Ashes, he has done nothing wrong.
Psychologically, despite the turnover of the English side since the last Ashes, wouldn’t the announcement of Johnson at 12th man provide a psychological boost?
Without overlooking the potential for mayhem Starc could have in English conditions, especially against Gary Ballance, he may be the unlucky one.
Hard problems to solve for the selectors? Yes. Are the English selectors envious? I’d say it’s a lay down misère, though the ability of Ben Stokes to fire up the crowd pronounces the advantage England has in the number six position.
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