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It is arguably the biggest debate going around in Australian cricket – Shane Watson. Where should he bat? Should he bowl more? Should he bowl less and now, should Watto even be in the Test team?
There is no denying that Shane Watson’s current struggle is real, yet the pressure put on by both Australian cricket’s winning ways and the general public’s expectation has clearly led to speculation over his future.
His statistics do not stand up as a typical number three batsman for Australia, however each individual must weigh up that the typical number three batsman for Australia over the previous decade was an absolute gem in the determined, accountable and respected Ricky Ponting.
This was a man who left a legacy on Australian cricket that will never be forgotten. A man who time and time again created gritty and tenacious innings to provide his country with the uppers and a man who was the ultimate competitor.
Finding a replacement for Ponting is a difficult task, especially when he leaves at a time where you have lost the Ashes and provided your worst result in the World Cup in the 21st century.
However, Watson was chosen because of his competitiveness. The man is and will always be a fighter. This is not the first time in his career that Watson has had so called doubters. His efforts for the team are often not as well recognised due to the fact that Watson plays his best cricket overseas.
Watto has been an essential member of the squad during overseas tours of South Africa, India and England. His performances throughout tours of South Africa in 2011 and 2014 are underestimated, as both his bowling and batting figures clearly led to two great competitive series between the two nations.
Although with this in mind, we are talking about the Shane Watson of today and why he should still be in the team.
When we look at Watson’s dismissals we see that he has been generally dismissed due to poor shot selection. Common errors occur of hitting the ball on the up in the air, as well as of course the ongoing lbw problem he has, with his left leg planted straight down the wicket.
Although this might suggest a lack of discipline, it doesn’t suggest that he is clueless at the wicket. Decision making takes time to correct. It separates the talented players from the very good performers and that’s always been the challenge for Watto – turning talent into performance.
Melbourne was a fine example of this. Batting well on 52 not out after coming in under pressure, Watson played a shot that just wasn’t required as he fell leg before trying to sweet Ravichandra Ashwin. This innings therefore stands as a metaphor for both the challenge for the Australian cricket public and for Shane Watson.
The overriding challenge for both the public and cricketer is patience.
Watson needs it in his batting and he would be the first person that knows that. However, the Australian cricket public need patience in Watson. Some may say that he has had his time and his opportunities and to some extent that is true. At his age and with his body there is a genuine understanding between Watson and the selectors that he must start to perform consistently.
So now we arrive to the Sydney Cricket Ground where Watson could play his final Test match for Australia, and yet again the match will be played under emotional circumstances. Will Watson keep his patience to comply a big innings? And if not, will the public, Cricket Australia and the selectors run out of patience with Australia’s number three?
I know I’ll be backing Watto in at the SCG, how about you?
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