James Faulkner’s absence from Australia’s opening World Cup clash, with England, has left his side with a massive gap to fill and has given the selectors a few headaches of their own.
Having moved Steve Smith up to the all-important number three position, I think the time is right to give the returning Shane Watson the Faulkner role.
By putting Watson in at number seven and moving Brad Haddin to eight, it gives Australia great batting depth and doesn’t disrupt the top order.
The out-of-sorts Haddin may feel less pressure coming in further down the order while Watson has the required explosiveness to play Faulkner’s role.
The move may also ease the burden of expectation on Watson who has struggled in the past twelve months; averaging only 24.67 with the bat at the top of the order in nine one-day appearances.
Coming in and needing to play aggressively from ball one may just be what the much-maligned all-rounder needs.
The only concern Australia may have with this line-up is getting 20 overs out of Watson, Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell – particularly if one of the front line seamers is having an off day.
It could still be a safer option than bringing in Pat Cummins alongside Mitchell Starc and Mitchell Johnson who all have the propensity to leak runs due to their extreme pace.
Faulkner’s boots will not be easy to fill, no matter what combination the Australian selectors opt for.
Faulkner has become a renowned lower-order finisher with the bat, often blasting Australia to victory in tight finishes – most notably at the Gabba last year against the English.
In the past twelve months he has averaged an amazing 51.71 with the blade at a more than healthy strike rate of 105.
While his ability to combine clear thinking with power hitting in the latter stages will undoubtedly be missed, his bowling may be missed even more.
Having started his career as a specialist bowler, Faulkner has developed an impressive arsenal of one-day variations. Out of the back of the hand slower balls, cutters and slow bouncers are all part of his weaponry and give Australia a reliable option during the middle overs and at the death.
Since the beginning of 2014 Faulkner has taken 25 wickets in 19 matches, conceding only 5.59 runs an over despite bowling a lot of death overs.
The next issue the selectors will face will be who to play and who to drop when Faulkner is available again.
Marsh proved his worth in the Tri-Series Final, making 60 off 68 balls after coming in at 4 for 60 and then conceding only 18 runs in seven economical overs in England’s chase.
The enigmatic Maxwell claimed man-of-the-match honours in the Tri-Series Final with a run-a-ball 95 and four valuable wickets, cementing his place in Australia’s World Cup side.
Marsh and Watson may well find themselves battling it out for a spot in Australia’s second pool match if Faulkner is ready to return.
Don Freo
Guest
They really nailed Zimbabwe today.
Don Freo
Guest
If we open with Mitch and Maxi, we could be 0/650 at the end of 50 overs. The starter can be the steadier and the finisher. ( That's how silly is the idea that there is such a thing as one specific 'finisher' in the side). Whoever is in at the end is the (a) finisher.
Don Freo
Guest
Glad someone said that...but I think he deliberately ran out Mitch Marsh hoping to create a space for Moises. Hadsy's ok...but he'll miss the Ashes...and the Windies. Wouldn't be surprised if he has been told, as Gough Whitlam once claimed, "It's Time."
Don Freo
Guest
All the Aussies perform everywhere. Open with Starc and Mitch Marsh and bat Smith at 10 to finish...it really doesn't matter. The boys step up and perform in any circumstance. Geez it's a good time to be an Aussie.
Don Freo
Guest
Hoggy took 8/77 today in 37 degree heat. Can we get an injury? Admittedly it was in grade cricket but...India, England, NZ...that's the standard.
Don Freo
Guest
Open with Watto...let Finch watch the Gatorade.
13th Man
Guest
Dont underestimate the kiwis mate (1) there are no guarantees faulkner will be fit by then, I hope so but not sure. (2) corey anderson is inconsistent? Yes he is but Finch, Watson, Bailey, Maxwell and even Warner (only in ODIs) are all inconsistent. If anything we have more inconsistency than they do! (3) I agree with you on Guptill but they make up for it with a super strong middle order. Maybe replace Guptill with Latham. (4) long tail???? Not at all, Vettori is a good batsman and both Southee and Boult are more than handy, only McClenaghan is a genuine tailender. So to be honest, the sides are closer than you think!!! Having said all that, still want aussies to win!!!
13th Man
Guest
That is australias best xi without a doubt!
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
Who is this out of sorts Haddin you are talking about? I see you haven't been watching any of the recent ODI's and seen the way Haddin has been hitting the ball coming in at the end of the innings in ODi's of late.
VivGilchrist
Guest
Look at Watsons record at the 2007 WC where he batted at 7. You'll find it interesting...
b
Guest
Watson can hit a ball, but he likes a new ball coming onto the bat at speed where he can just plant the front foot and either drive or pull. Later in the innings he would have to deal with spin and changes of pace and a soft ball, he'll struggle to simply score, it's doubtful he could fill Faulkner's shoes.
ajay
Guest
no chance for kiwis (1)faulkner will be fit for 3rd game and then he will smash kiwis attack out of the park along with marsh. (2)corey anderson is inconsistent just like watson(now) (3)openers baz=warner ,, but guptill?/ baha (4)long tail
13th Man
Guest
Absolutely GF preview I reckon I am giving that one to the kiwis because of home ground advantage.
13th Man
Guest
I particularly like Smith coming in when we are in trouble he performs well. Smith in my opinion should bat 3, Clarke at 4 and Watson as more of a finisher at 5 followed by marsh at 6 and maxi at 7.
jammel
Guest
I do agree on Doherty - he will need to play a part. Notwithstanding the likely wickets, I still think spinners will play a role in this World Cup - and I mean proper spinners, not just serviceable guys like Maxwell. I wouldn't really refer to Maxwell as a second spinner. With Maxwell, you'll probably get through seven overs or so for 1/40. With Doherty, you'll probably get 10 overs for 0/40 or 1/45 or so. Could be useful. But more importantly, with Doherty and Maxwell - in the right conditions - you can have more than 10 overs of spin if need be. (Would have been nice to have had Lyon in the squad.)
DC-NZ
Guest
Cant wait for the clash vs NZ as the Aussies will face: B McCullum Guptill Rosco Taylor Kane Williamson Grant Elliot Corey Anderson Ronchi Boult Southee McLenaghan Vettori Should be a dynamite game!
jameswm
Guest
Yep...see below. Clarke isn't even available for that game.
jameswm
Guest
Nah Smith is fine at 4. Watto likes creaming the new ball. Smith can come in and steady the ship if we've lost early wickets, or accelerate if he comees in at 2 for 200 in the 40th over. Watto isn't able to adjust his temperament as well as Smith.
Vas Venkatramani
Roar Guru
Smith isn't necessarily at 5. I see him and Clarke alternating depending on the game scenario. If a few early wickets fall for not much, I think Clarke is ideal in leading a recovery. Smith comes in when a wicket falls when Australia are looking to accelerate and not necessarily when we're in trouble.
Geno
Guest
1. Watson 2. Warner 3. Smith 4. Clarke 5. Maxwell 6. MMarsh 7. Faulkner 8. Haddin 9. Johnson 10. Starc 11. Hazlewood