Australian cricket coach Darren Lehmann’s key to success is that he is first and foremost a team man, and scrupulously fair as his second asset.
That being the case there’s no way Shane Watson should be picked for the second Test against South Africa at Port Elizabeth, starting Thursday.
Watson missed the series opener at Centurion with a return of his dicky calf muscle injury, and both Alex Doolan on debut and Shaun Marsh, back in the side after two years, grabbed their chances.
Doolan’s 27 and 89 were impressive for his patience and wide range of shots against the highest-ranked Test pace attack in the world.
Marsh was superb throughout his 148 in the first dig and well controlled in his second innings of 44, giving the pair 308 runs between them.
More importantly, both shared double century stands that proved as vital in the 281 victory as Mitchell Johnson’s career-best 12-127.
Marsh and Steve Smith put on 233 for the fifth wicket in the first dig when Australia was in deep trouble at 4-98.
While Doolan and century-maker David Warner put on 205 for the second wicket in the second innings after Rogers departed at 1-1.
Neither Doolan nor Marsh deserve to be dropped for an injury-prone Watson who isn’t likely to bowl at Port Elizabeth with his calf muscle tending to erupt at any stage.
There’s been talk of dropping opener Chris Rogers for Watson. That too is a no-no, despite Rogers’ poor first Test with 4 and 1.
Rogers and Warner are the best opening pair available at the moment, although Phil Hughes has more genuine opening batting credentials than Watson to replace Rogers if that’s the way Lehmann wants to go.
But Lehmann has proved with Queensland, Australia A, and now the baggy greens that if it “ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.
And it sure ain’t broke after that thumping 281-run win over the best Test team in the world.
Interestingly, both Lehmann, a selector, and skipper Michael Clarke, a non-selector, have astutely talked their way around the Watson issue in interviews which proves there’s no decision in cement.
But for team harmony and justice, Watson should be a spectator at St George’s Oval.
If Watson is selected, you can bet your house on the fact Darren Lehmann has been outvoted by co-selectors John Inverarity, Rod Marsh, and Andy Bichel.
If that happens, it will be at the trio’s peril.
AlanKC
Guest
I've often wondered how much of Watson's batting woes anywhere outside the top 3 come from his desire to not bat there? He sees himself as 1,2 or 3 and nowhere else and has performed accordingly.
Atko
Guest
I hope so Blackie. Opening has always been his favourite position by the way.
Blackie
Guest
I have a feeling that Watson is going to now target Rogers position as he previously targeted Hughes (2009). I can see the scenario now. He will miss the second test officially because his injury has not recovered sufficiently. He will then come out with some statement that he is happy to bat anywhere and is particularly keen on opening if required. Rogers struggles for runs in the second test. Watson in for the last test.
a
Guest
Yes, we won in spite of his failures with the bat, something which would be exposed against a tougher opponent in South Africa (hindsight notwithstanding)
jameswm
Guest
You know this how?
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
In general with those bowling the extra (Clarke won't I believe though, unfortunate, he was a really good bowler). Watson not even to just earn his spot should go back and play but to prove his body will last that length of time.
ozinsa
Guest
Pragmatic too
Gr8rWeStr
Guest
I hope you are correct, Mr. Lord! I'm still a little concerned given previous Watson selection policies, but there does appear to have been a change in philosophy recently.
Atko
Guest
True, plus 6 innings batting at 7 and 24 innings as a middle order batsman (4-7) yielding the awesome average of 22.7. Compare that to him being a top order batsmen (1-3) with an average of 41.14 over 71 innings. With an old ball Watson more likely comes in against spin and we've seen that doesn't work.
Adam Julian
Roar Guru
Only batted 9 innings at 6. I think with an older ball and a tired attack he could be more effective.
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
"But Lehmann has proved with Queensland, Australia A, and now the baggy greens that if it “ain’t broke, don’t fix it”." Quite happy to ditch Bailey though, despite him being part of a team that just won an Ashes series 5-0.
Silver_Sovereign
Guest
Boof is really being consistent with wanting the best in form players in the team. Smith, Warner and Clarke can certainly bowl enough overs to cover for Watson. For me, Watson should go back to shield cricket and earn his spot back the hard way.
Atko
Guest
Oh god, here's another one. Because apparently you don't need to move your feet well early on in your innings when you're facing spin, right Adam? I love people saying he should bat 6 because. of his average, yet it's his average from batting at 6 which has kept it down in the 30's.
Adam Julian
Roar Guru
Your right, always felt to that Watson should have been a 6 or 7 in test cricket. Doesn't move his feet early in an innings which makes him a big chance to get out with the new ball. A batting average of 36 is not bad, esp at 6, but not worth a recall if others are producing the goods.
Worlds Biggest
Guest
yep tend to agree Lordy, I rate Watto however Doolan and Marsh deserve to keep there places.
davros
Guest
If Marsh could bowl as well , maybe they could take turns swapping in and out of the side as they both succumb to there regular soft tissue injuries....which bty imho are the result of over stretching/too much stretching of muscles
up in the north
Guest
I think Lehman has always intimated during his tenure as coach that the best side will continue to be picked. The fact Watson was unable to play at Centurion due to injury, means he will be overlooked until the time comes where poor form requires a demotion, that isn't the case here.