Darren Lehmann’s promotion of Shane Watson to the top of the order may be viewed as the new coach putting his own stamp on things but it’s really a case of common sense coming to the fore.
Plenty of column inches have been used up debating the best place for, even the actual point of in some instances, Watson and it seems Lehmann is in little doubt.
David Warner’s lunacy may have forced the Australian camp’s hand, however, whether or not that incident ever took place, Watson opening is a shrewd move.
It’s been well documented his record is far superior against the new ball than in the middle order, it’s a position where he wants to play and the side doesn’t have the tools to fudge any issue.
If Watson is there then those in charge have to try and get the best out of him.
He has plenty of ability, that hasn’t ever really been questioned, and while his temperament is flaky at the best of times, nothing stabilises fluctuations in attitude like a decent run of scores.
A fit and firing Watson, in a batting order that could do with any boost it can find, has to be a significant plus and Lehmann is well aware of that.
In the English camp, Nick Compton’s non-selection in the 14-man squad for England’s warm-up game with Essex this weekend, unless injuries occur, as good as rules him out of the upcoming Ashes and could well signal the conclusion of his brief international career.
Some may view it as being unduly harsh, and the man himself will almost certainly see it that way, but sport can be a cruel occupation at the best of times and seven into six won’t ever go.
With Kevin Pietersen announcing his return in some style with a big hundred for Surrey – was he ever really going to miss such a high profile series? – it came down to a straight choice between Compton and Jonny Bairstow and the right decision has been arrived at.
Compton, in his last six Test innings, has made a fraction over 50 runs in six hours at the crease, which represents a player trying desperately hard to succeed while giving himself all the tools needed to consistently fail.
The Somerset man has never been the most fluent of players but those statistics show someone who has become paralysed by an overwhelming desire to do well.
When that manifests itself in the kind of tortuous effort Compton produced in the second innings against New Zealand at Headingley there is an issue.
Crank up the pressure of the occasion by a few notches, as will be the case at Trent Bridge in a fortnight’s time, and the outlook isn’t particularly promising.
To keep Compton in and prevent Joe Root from taking the position he has been earmarked for would be akin to the selectors shirking their responsibility and this isn’t the time for pussy-footing around.
Some sympathy should be felt for Compton because he did a decent job while in occupation having worked extremely hard to get there in the first place but the correct decision has been arrived at.
LISTEN TO WHAT THE ROAR’S GLENN MITCHELL HAS TO SAY ABOUT THE ASHES BUILD-UP
Christopher Barton
Guest
Shane Watson is an outstanding player. He is a match winner and could play incredibly well at all the formats . A clean hitter
fan of warner
Guest
We should not doubt Warner capability and he should open with shane watson and chris rogers should come down..... Watson Warner Clarke Rogers Haddin Khwaja Smith Starc Harris Pattinson Lyon
Clavers
Guest
Tim, are you aware that Watson scored a double century in a Shield final? He doesn't need to accumulate. What matters is how many runs you get, not how fast or slow you get them. I'm gonna back the man. What odds would you give me for Watson averaging over 45 this Ashes series?
Clavers
Guest
Nah, I say the seasoned Rogers at 3. The position is critical and all the other candidates are rookies.
Clavers
Guest
Indeed. I'd be very curious to see Watson's life insurance policy. If the insurers know anything at all about the man, they'll know he's going to die in his nineties for sure.
Pete B
Guest
And Wade. A couple of tons already
Pete B
Guest
I don't think the great Australian team of recent memory we're all that closely knit. There seemed to be a lot of personalities there that would have sniped at each other and let their real feeling towards each other known if they weren't so successful. When you're winning you can come out with all the nonsense about how great your team culture is. Chicken, Egg.
Pete B
Guest
Watson himself thinks he's best at opening and bowling only a bit. I know he is a bit precious, but he probably has a better idea of how he should be played than anyone else. The further he moves down the order his average (at that position) correspondingly drops.
Gr8rWeStr
Guest
Nudge, Are you conceding Watson's recent batting form, alone, doesn't earn him selection? I very much adhere to the principal that you select batsmen for their recent batting form, not their bowling and fielding ability. Cowan is more likely to stay out there longer to shield the middle from the new ball and build partnerships with Clarke, and others, helping to build a larger team total. Watson, has now run out of excuses for his poor batting form: 1. He's back opening - 'his favourite position' 2. He has got a coach who's 'backing' him 3. He's relinquished the burden of the vice captaincy 4. He'll have a steadying influence down the other end, Rogers or Cowan, his Katich replacement 5. He averages 48.21 against England in Tests, his best against all Test opposition 6. He averages 48 against England in England How much longer does he get if he continues to averages 25? Sub 30? Sub 35?
Martyn50
Roar Rookie
Watson has only one place in the side and that is as opener. He has publicly stated that he will not bowl anymore. Great to see Khawaja given the coaches tick of approval.
Fra-Dog
Roar Rookie
Watson scoring 90 off 93 balls, against Somerset has certainly showed that he is better utilised as an opener. Fingers cross this form can continue into the Ashes Series, we need a lot to go our way :p
Nudge
Guest
I'm happy with that but bat him where he has had success
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
why you arguing with me then Nudge, unless you have not read my replies. For already said he is exceptional as a bowler. But the bottom line with watson is, if he does not bowl, he is not worthy to be in the Test Team.
Nudge
Guest
No Tim not just as a batsman
Nudge
Guest
Ok gws who would you prefer. Watsons average of 25 and bowling accurate swingers at 135 (england dont have a 5th bowler)and reliable first slip fielding or cowans average of 32 and hands that would struggle to catch a volleyball. If you choose Cowan clearly you knocked off work today at lunch
Praveen
Guest
Deccas your lineup is good
Gr8rWeStr
Guest
Nudge, The point you continue to deny is that Watson's lead up game form means nothing at the top level. A more recent example of this was in the lead up to the Champions Trophy he scored 135 off 98 against West Indies. Watson opened throughout the Champions Trophy, in a form that most agree he is more suited to, and had scores of 24, 5 &5. Hardly 'great' form.
Nudge
Guest
You trying to prove my point gws. Don't reckon he opened in India in the tests. Good to see your back on board mate
Tim Holt
Roar Guru
I think by stating that fact you must be referring to his mastery in ODI/T20 Cricket with bat.......for I rarely pay any attention to ratings, but there is NO WAY watson would have been rated in the top 10 in Tests- solely as a batsman
Nudge
Guest
He was in the top 10 players in the world 2 years ago. Short memories. If we are to have any chance to win Watson will be the key. Might as well play him where is average says he should and that's what the Aussie coach is doing