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Another Test match, another start for Shane Watson. Unfortunately, it was also another case of finding a way to get out despite being well and truly set at the crease.
Yesterday’s innings of 52 pretty much sums Shane Watson up.
Flashes of brilliance, some amazing stroke play and a silly decision that has stopped him converting a start into a big score.
On his day, Watson can hit the ball further than most. He can destroy an attack and can turn a Test match – but without consulting Google, when was the last time Watson posted a hundred?
After yesterday’s effort, half of social media was praising another solid knock. To be honest, if you offered a batsman a score of 52 before play, there’s a good chance they’d take it. An average of 52 would be brilliant.
The other half of social media were once again expressing disappointment that Watson had yet again failed to convert a solid start, after surviving a dropped catch.
Watson yesterday played a silly shot, attempting to hit across the line to score, when a straight batted push for one would have been a far safer option.
This error came after the side had just lost Chris Rogers, meaning two new batsman were forced to face up within a few balls of each other.
I cannot think of a sporting personality that divides opinion quite like the Aussie number three.
Players such as Jamie Soward, Bernard Tomic and co. have plenty of fans, and just as many, if not more, than don’t overly like them.
The difference with Watson is, everyone seems to want him to succeed, whereas there are plenty death riding the likes of Soward and Tomic.
As I have previously mentioned, I can’t think of many number threes in the top Test nations who average lower than Watson’s 35. Of course Watson has batted everywhere from one to six so it’s not fair to say his average was compiled purely at number three.
Given Watson’s talents, I think it’s fair to say that his four Test centuries is a disappointing figure. A player with his ability and range of shots should be well into double figures.
Unfortunately Watson seems to be able to find a way to get out when set. The genuine superstars worldwide find a way to survive the tough spells to battle through. Watson seems able to find a way to get out while playing on pitches akin to roads.
Plenty will say Watson has secured himself the Sydney Test at number three. Plenty will say he was dropped while in the thirties, and deserves to be dropped to number six. Plenty will say despite his half century, Australia need to find a batsman who can turn starts in to big scores.
That sums it up.
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