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?
Aransan
Guest
We need more than a few overs from an allrounder otherwise we are going to flatten Johnson and Harris on these batsmen friendly wickets. Part of the problem is that none of the batsmen can bowl even a few overs and we always seemed to have someone in the past who could do that. If Marsh and Burns were more settled in the side it would be a good idea to go for a bowling allrounder.
Camo McD
Roar Guru
I have never particularly liked Watson but he is a class above just about everyone else in shield cricket as a batsman only. While the team is winning I'd keep him at no 3. The fact he can send down a few handy overs is a bonus which is very useful to the side. If he can average mid 30s with the bat and take the odd wicket he's doing an ok job until we develop a better alternative.
Kev
Guest
CA thought that Brad Hodge wasn't good enough to play test cricket after making a double century and thousands of first class runs so I wouldn't put so much faith in their abilities to make an accurate assessment of a player.
Kev
Guest
He's been nothing but a passenger in all of those successful campaigns. Ok Will, so he takes 1 to 2 wickets per match. Wow!
The Prize_Man
Roar Pro
Totally agree. The issue isn't if he should be dropped it's if he should bat at 3. The answer to that is no the 3 needs hundreds and big ones. I feel the main reason this is that he has obvious mental weaknesses as displayed by his worse than poor conversion rate and number of times out in the 90s. I'm not a fan of Watson but he may be our best allrounder he is surely not our best 3 though. although m marsh has had a solid start to his test career his fc batting average is just not good enough to bat in the top six, same goes for Faulkner will be interesting to see which one of those two will (if at all) nail down that spot in the future. I'm Hoping for faulks, least we all know the man can win games for his country albeit in the shorter forms
jack thomas
Guest
Perfect article on Watto i have read in a long time. I believe destiny will take care of him coz he's a good human being. "His efforts for the team are often not as well recognised due to the fact that Watson plays his best cricket overseas." Very True. His brilliance has not been witnessed by Australian people because of different time-zones. Thats why he has so many fans across the world(especially in sub-continent) except australia. Whether he will be selected in next test series or not, will come down to his performance in the world cup. If he's outstanding in the world cup, then he'll be selected because watson's problem is not in the test format. His problem is his own mind. He has great talent, but he worries/cares too much. If he had the attitude of Klusener, then he would have had the most glorious career in cricket.
Gus Paella
Guest
So over a year ago is current form? How convenient for your argument.
Kev
Guest
Ok so what has he delivered Will? 10 years, 55 tests and as a batsman he has 3500 runs at an average of 35, 23 50's and just 4 100's and as a bowler, he has just 71 wickets.
Paul Giles
Guest
We were 2-0 up, so yes it was not a dead rubber but it was also under zero pressure as he came in at 1 for a 291 run lead. I am neutral on Shane Watson. These are the facts. As an opener, he did a good job averaging 41 with 2 centuries and 15 half centuries. The conversion rate is overrated and didn't bother me as he was making consistent runs in all situations as an opener. His average at 6 of 28 is not fair to him as 7 of his 10 innings there were against India in 2008 before he had made it as a test cricketer, in the last year and a half he has made a 68 and 40 in tests that counted from 3 innings there. His average of 36 at 3 is very flattering to him as it is on the back of 176 when we were 3-0 down, 2-0 up coming in at 1 down with a 291 run lead making 103 and 83 not out coming in at 1/63 chasing 231 in Melbourne when we were 3-0 up. I think his batting has deteriorated since those ashes tests and can't see him averaging more than 25 in the Ashes. I supported his retention in the team ahead of the likes of Cowan, Khawaja, Doolan as they averaged the same and can't field or bowl but there are a few more blokes in the last year and a half making runs in the shield putting massive pressure on Watson, ironically Cowan being one of those.
kevin dustby
Guest
cmon mate, he is not a world class number 3 and that is what Australia needs. 70 wickets in 55 tests is not a great all rounder
Hanes
Guest
Simon o'donnel anyone !!!!!!! -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
DT
Guest
It's really easy. Put a batsman to 3 (whether Burns or S.Marsh) then either Watson or Mitchel Marsh are the number 6 with handy overs. I'd stick with Watto untill after the Ashes at least. Think he marginally pips Marsh at this stage.
Gus Paella
Guest
I was questioning the validity of your statement as a reason for his continued selection NOT disputing the fact that he takes wickets. My point was your statement "he provides bowling flexibility without taking wickets" could be said of anybody bar the keeper and is not an endorsement of an all-rounder. ( I believe he has amassed a whopping 2 scalps so far this series.) Anyway good luck with your article Will.
Will Taylor
Roar Guru
We have tried to give players a go. Look at Bailey, Khawaja, Quiney, North, Mcdonald. All of those players who are quality state players, couldn't make it. Until there is a clear obvious replacement, he stays in the team.
Axle an the Guru
Guest
Watson is a good cricketer I don't deny that but he has had ten years at test level and is ordinary at best,a top ODI cricketer but that's it,it's time to give someone else a go.
Axle an the Guru
Guest
That's a very good question,it's not because of his performances that for sure.
Mark Ferguson
Roar Rookie
Watson isn't even in the same league as Sobers or Kallis. Watson has had the lives of a cat and is now past it, we need to find a real batsman to fill the number 3 slot.
Clavers
Guest
It gives you a better shot at it than 2 for 10.
Clavers
Guest
Maxwell: FC bowling average of 39.51 (Watson 29.37), no five-wicket hauls in any form of the game (Watson seven in FC, three in Tests), bowling economy rate of 4.75 in Tests (Watson 2.75). only four FC centuries in 31 matches (Watson 20 in 129, of which 4 were in Tests). Faulkner: good bowling allrounder but with a FC batting average of 31.91 and no centuries in 45 first-class matches, not a Test top six batsman at this stage. If he is selected in Tests it has to be as one of the specialist fast bowlers.
Will Taylor
Roar Guru
And this is where many people believe he is still in the side because we keep on winning and it is hard to change a team that keeps performing.