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I’m not sure I can live in a world where Shane Watson is the Australian Test skipper.
While the “I can’t live in a world where (insert scenario)” refrain is overly dramatic and somewhat self-aggrandising, it is, however, an increasingly common saying in this bizarre, modern world we live in.
In fact, I dexterously employ it at least three or four times a week in a variety of contexts.
For example: “I can’t live in a country where Tony Abbott is Prime Minister”, “I can’t live in a world where antiquated US gun laws enable the senseless killing of school children”, and “I can’t go to a cafe where wi-fi is only available in 30 minute bursts”.
But honestly, I think handing Watson the coveted Australian captaincy – in the absence of Michael Clarke, should he not be fit for the second Test against Sri Lanka – is the wrong move.
I initially had my qualms with Clarke getting the nod, but he’s proven himself an astute tactician and someone capable of leading the new guard into a new era. What’s more, his batting has never been better.
But Watson? Let’s start with the figures. In 35 Tests he has only two hundreds and 18 half-centuries, which demonstrates an inability to “go on with the job”.
As for with ball in hand, his average is respectable at around 28 – but his career wicket haul of 60 amounts to about one scalp per innings… not an overly impressive strike rate.
But I think it’s his attitude and arrogance that gets me the most.
His body language is usually pretty substandard for an Australian cricketer: he tends to mope about a lot and when he isn’t doing that he’s making an idiot of himself with ridiculous post-scalp celebrations, like that time he managed to fluke the wicket of Chris Gayle.
What will it take for the Australian selectors to just give the captaincy to Mike Hussey for this one-off occasion, assuming Clarke is out injured for the second Test against Sri Lanka?
Are they scared of hurting Watson’s feelings? Does anyone even really see Watson as a potential long-term Test cricketer, let alone captain?
In contrast, you know Hussey would savour the experience if given the captaincy.
He’d park himself at mid-off all day and offer unrelenting vocal support for his bowlers; he’d whip through the overs with time to spare; and he’d grind out a “captains knock” if the team happens to have their back to the wall at 4/60 on day one.
And even if he gets a duck, he’ll be offering encouragement for his teammates and helping the incoming batsmen figure out what the wicket is doing – and all the other necessary admin that comes with the captaincy.
Would Watson do that? Is Watson a team player? Or am I just making some outlandish generalisations based on little more than the combined 20 minutes of cricket I’ve watched on TV over the past few years?
I’m happy to be proven wrong.
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