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.
Daniel Nichols
Roar Guru
Always appreciate the feedback, thanks mate. I used the question as a way to put emphasis on just how hard it is to remember his last 100. I had to google it, I couldn't remember his last tonne. Also it was a little tongue in cheek haha
Andrew
Guest
Maybe this is rant? I'm not sure. Watson is a first slipper. Is Smith a better slipper than Watson? The best first slipper was Taylor. Than you have M Waugh (selector) one on the best. Then Hayden! I can go on...Chappelli.
Andrew
Guest
Clavers, you love Watson...WHY?
richard
Guest
Watto is definitely not an Alpha male. he is and ordinary test batsmen and a good containment bowler. Thats about it. And he drops crucial catches
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
He is though by far the most polarizing sportsman in Aus
Andrew
Guest
Isn't Watson Australian? If so, he should be very comfortably with Australian wickets. They were good wickets to bat on in Adelaide, Gabba and MCG. Also Watson is nearly 34 and he has to a lot of bowling to cement his spot. What happens then Clavers? Bad injuries. Yes, he got 1 wicket today. At the Gabba, he was economic with the run rate, but how many wickets Clavers? I would have Burns at No 3.
Clavers
Guest
You are looking at his overall career stats, not his current form. Over his past ten tests Watson is averaging 41 with two centuries. If that batting average isn't good enough, what does it say about his bowling average of 32?
Clavers
Guest
Mitch Marsh has a first-class batting average of 29 with only 2 centuries on over 20 matches. The Watson knockers should be challenged to come up with a list of six batsmen who are better than Watson, with the proviso that one of them must also be a better bowler.
Clavers
Guest
... and also a better ODI and T20 record. And also better bowling credentials.
Clavers
Guest
His averages say that he is a better batsman as an opener or number 3 than lower in the order. Ian Chappell rates him as a fine player of fast bowling and Smith wants him bating at 3.
macca
Guest
and jhonno the fact that u have googled shirtless pics of shane watson bothers me.next thing you,ll be hanging around the sheds to get a wiff of his jocks
Andrew
Guest
Actually I have, I'm 40 & played footy against him when I left St Gregs & then, I played for the Leichieght Wanderers. Then when I boxed and I actually saw him. He's not as arrogant people think. That was 7-8 years ago.
macca
Guest
yes anthony mundine by a mile u have to understand if he can pull off this world title fight he is lining up he will become the first man in the history of boxing to win 3 world titles in descending weight classes the guy is a freak of an athlete love or hate him ,and the fact he has said all the crap he has over the years yep pretty sure he is the most polarising man in australian sport by far!
Matt
Guest
The way he has carried on in the past when taking a wicket, the way he petulantly stands his ground after each and every time he is dismissed, and his selfish inevitable use of a wasted DRS challenge just to make sure. The huge talent he has at his disposal and the the mental fragility that goes along with it. At the time Punter retired, he was in pretty good form with the bat and a case could be made to bat him higher up the order. But he is no longer our only option or best option for our number 3. As a one day and T20 player, sure. But as a long term test player, no.
Realist 1975
Guest
Most polarising athlete IMHO is easily Anthony Mundine. Always felt It was mostly one-sided views with Shane Watson though.
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
Have you heard of Anthony Mundine?
Andrew
Guest
Abigail, Mitch Marsh is young, sadly Watson is 34 and at number 3 he doesn't get enough runs. ODI he averages 42 something like that, in Tests he averages 35 & only 4 centuries. That's not good enough.
abigail
Guest
Sadly Australia is looking to replace Watson with Mitch Marsh, an all rounder who is equally talented but equally injury prone.
Johnno
Guest
She's probably better than yours Pat, unless your hiding Elle Mcpherson from us in the closet lol.
Johnno
Guest
No Pat even better,I just want his wife lol.