The word around the press box campfire at SuperSport Park has apparently been that Shane Watson may struggle to be fit for the second Test at Port Elizabeth.
Having potentially dodged a selection bullet, it would be easy to imagine John Inverarity and co breathing a sigh of relief with Shaun Marsh and Alex Doolan doing the job at three and four at Centurion, should that scenario be the case.
Obviously Watson adds another string to the bowling attack bow, however having averaged a touch under six overs an innings in the last Ashes series is his ailing body really capable of providing a useful contribution to Michael Clarke’s arsenal?
If his swing bowling is to be only considered a bonus that can be used when Watson’s body is up to it, consideration must be given to where he is to bat when his current physical malaise comes good.
Post-Simon Katich, whose Test career was inexplicably cut short despite averaging 48.08 as an opener over the course of his final year of Test cricket, our best pairing has been the five innings Chris Rogers and Shane Watson played last year when they averaged 49.
But the best long term union has been that of Ed Cowan and David Warner (44.85 from 28 hits).
It seems the selectors current opening policy is to pair a dasher with a grinder. Since Katich was let go, they have gone with two out-and-out stroke makers twice.
Warner and Watson were sent out to get the game moving along at The Oval last year and there was the ill-fated Glenn Maxwell and Warner effort in the final Test in India last year.
So don’t hold your breath for a Warner and Watson teaming in South Africa or any time soon.
Since Ricky Ponting’s retirement after the Perth Test in early December 2012 there have been eight different blokes tried in that key batting post.
While that may seem over the top, since Phil Hughes took the number three reins from the former skipper, there have been ten changes at that post. Yet throughout that period, Watson has averaged 52.10 when batting at first drop.
Although Alex Doolan has certainly cashed in at Centurion, especially with his magnificent knock of 89, it appears that three is the slot Watson should fill, if and when he returns.
Clarke and Steve Smith have proven extremely successful when batting at five averaging 69.44 and 52.06 respectively since Ponting moved on however, with Clarke moving back down to that position for the first Test in South Africa, it appears the spot is secure.
Nowhere has the ripple effect of Ponting’s retirement been felt more keenly than at number six, where Mike Hussey was a mainstay for the final 16 months of his magnificent 79-Test career.
Nine blokes have been tried at six producing a paltry two hundreds from Matthew Wade and Smith.
With Clarke at five, Smith will retain his position as the all-important number six.
So should Watson not be able to take his place in the eleven at Port Elizabeth, the battle is on between Doolan and Marsh for the coveted number four position in the third Test.
Whoever misses out in Cape Town will be stiff, but isn’t it a luxury to be relatively spoilt for choice as a selector for the first time in a long time.
kombiutedriver
Guest
Watto may be assessed as needing more time to reach fitness ........ possibly in time for the Third Test at Newlands ..............
SteveOL
Roar Pro
Stability despite carrying George Bailey was a key to our success against the Poms. Surely it is incumbent upon the selectors to try to retain the existing lineup and reward their first Test efforts. You only change a team if the bloke you bring in makes the line-up stronger and, with Watson injured, it must be Marsh and Doolan's spots to lose. As I wrote, Watson can only come in at three if he is picked but, as it stands, he can't be a walk-up start for the third Test.
Francis Curro
Roar Pro
I hope they don't drop Doolan and Marsh. Watson is on his way out.
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
Agree. He is too inconsistent with bat and his overs are all too few. Then there are the amount of times he becomes injured... http://www.theroar.com.au/2014/02/16/wattos-gotta-go/
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
*28*
Broken-heartedToy
Guest
Shaun Marsh won't last long, his body or his form won't cope with test matches close together.
mukramja
Guest
watson and warner opening pair is the best for 2nd test port elizabeth.how ever roggers is also not looking good in south africa
SteveOL
Roar Pro
What Richard said.
jammel
Guest
I think you are right Nathan. At least for now. People talking about dropping Rogers are harsh - leading runscorer for the combined Ashes series! Rogers Warner Clarke and Smith are all certainties. So it is 2 of SMarsh, a fit Watson and Doolan. Personally, for the second test, I'd have Doolan and Shaun Marsh.
Nathan
Guest
Warner was the leading run-scorer for the Australian leg of the Ashes and flogged an admittedly lucky ton in Centurion, Rogers was the leading run-scorer for all 10 Ashes Tests combined, Doolan and Marsh performed admirably on debut/return, Clarke cannot be dropped and Smith has averaged over 44 since returning to the Test side in March 2013. Watson's the most expendable player in the team and that's even accounting for his few overs of bowling.
Richard
Guest
No ordinary fielder takes catches like that. And you are not hiding if you dismiss 2 of their top batsmen with brilliance like that. He can stay their and hide for the rest of his career as far as I'm concerned
davros
Guest
I agree they should send hughes back home asap .....Watson should be told to go and concentrate on the shorter form ...it has to be done sooner or later
Richard
Guest
plus 1 that or Doolans efforts in the second dig of the first test match
Declan McClure
Roar Pro
"his age" he's 29
Sideline Comm.
Guest
I hope you're right Sheek, it worked with the Ashes after all. Watson to soon retire from test cricket and become a limited overs specialist.
pope paul v11
Guest
I reckon they'll give Watto a rest for the second test, no need to rush him back.
Warwick Todd
Guest
I have a sneaking suspicion Clarke bowled Warner to show the selectors and the public that Watson is surplus to requirements. Warner may not be in the same bowling class as Watson but his hamstrings are not made of offal. Clarke's a cunning little bugger.
James T
Guest
Honestly the thought of Watson and marsh at 3and 4scares me a bit if marsh returns to his old scoring patterns. Watson can't be viewed as an all rounder any more as he simply doesn't bowl enough and therefore should only be judged on returns with the bat. As the battling lineup is prone to collapse we need an old school three similar to boony who will protect the middle order, that gives doolan the edge over Watson and marsh has shown if he gets in he's capable of scoring hundreds unlike Watson. Won't be surprised if somehow watsons injury lasts the rest of the series.
Lindommer
Guest
Watson should be told to return to the Sheffield Shield where he must complete four consecutive matches, with a LOT of bowling, without any physical impairment before he's even considered for a return to the test team. And if Marsh and Doolan continue on their merry ways he can stay in the SS until the ODIs come up.
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
Doolan played quite well for someone of his age. Closer to an 'old-style' batsmen then any who are in our team (except perhaps Rogers).