As Australia prepare to take on Bangladesh on Saturday in Brisbane, the selectors are still determining on which XI to play.
Michael Clarke, who has been out injured since the Adelaide Test in December last year, is expected to meet his deadline and return against the Bangladesh.
This should be good news for the Australians, right?
Well if Clarke comes in, who goes? Earlier on in the month it looked like out-of-form George Bailey was the man who will make room for the Aussie skip, although he made a case for himself with a steady 55 off 69 balls including three boundaries.
Bailey made a statement earlier in the week saying he thinks himself that he will be the one to go to make way for Clarke. Although if Bailey is showing signs he could return to form, it will be a difficult decision to drop him.
Shane Watson on the other hand, who has been below his best form for the majority of the summer, could also make way for Clarke. Getting out for a Golden Duck against England in Australia’s World Cup opener could not have come at a worse time for the 33-year-old. There’s a strong chance he could go.
In a team that boasted three serious all rounders in Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Marsh and Watson – plus the injured James Faulkner – the pressure is on Shane Watson. Marsh claimed a fantastic 5’fer and chipped in with a handy 23 runs, which did not help Watson at all.
Watson bowled three overs for zero wickets. Maxwell has shown some good form with the bat in previous games scoring 95 and 66 in his last two innings, and being an allrounder spinner, is likely to be included in most games, (since Xavier Dougherty, the left arm specialty spinner is a rarity to be selected for more then a handful of games) only on wickets that call for a second spinners services. Leaves a less then convincing case for Watson.
If Bailey’s half century against England was enough to earn him another game, then it looks like Watson is the man to go. Only time will tell.
There are rumours, however, that David Warner has injured his thumb and will be ruled out – which will give Watson a chance.
If Warner doesn’t play, it could see Watson elevated to opening, Clarke in at three. Bailey might be the man to go.
Watson has a career ODI average of 40.27 with the bat. Although his 2014-15 season he has handled only 222 runs in eight games at 27.75, has Watson had one too many chances?
Does he still have time to prove himself? Many people are crossing over his Test form with his ODI form. If he gets selected, he will take on a team against which he scored a giant 185 against in 2011. He averages 87.5 runs against, with 350 runs in five innings. Watson will be looking to reproduce that form if he’s to keep his spot throughout this World Cup.
Many current and former Australian cricketers have come out to back Watson. But he has copped a lot of criticism too. At the end of the day, I personally believe Watson will play on, and it will come down to timing and form when Faulkner is recovered.
There is a possibility that Clarke may not make the deadline, or even be re-injured during the WC? Again, only time will tell.
Australia’s ideal XI
Warner, Finch, Clarke, Smith, Maxwell, Marsh, Faulkner, Haddin, Johnson, Starc, Hazlewood.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
What has Watson done this season to warrant selection. One score with the bat then he threw that away, bowling has not been worth a place and his fielding is such he has to field in slips to get him out of the way. Realistically, Watson should never have been in the squad to start with.
AlanKC
Guest
Nonsense, Clarke for Bailey and Watto to go when faulkner's available. Like for LIKE - do the caps convince you? P.S. Isn't it great to have a Texan psychologist writing on Roar... P.P.S. Are you guys so desperate for new writers that you never check bona fides?
Samuel Gosling
Roar Rookie
Yeah, that team is the best we could field right now. But you are right, the rain will have the final say, and at this stage, it looks almost a certainty to be rained out, from what I've seen on weather sites and videos. We will see.
Samuel Gosling
Roar Rookie
I agree! I think Watson has had plenty of chances. I think they have pretty much confirmed Clarke's return to the side. Marsh is batting and bowling quite well, and as you said no need to have both Marsh and Watson, especially once Faulkner returns, but as you said the side's balance will need to be revisited once Faulkner is available for selection.
Bob Sims
Guest
All rather a moot point given the heavy rainfall and inevitable flooding associated with the cyclone. Watson did nothing against England, whereas Bailey batted and captained well, and Marsh contributed with bat and ball. Clarke was always going to walk back in when fit. In ideal circumstances, with Warner fit and weather permitting,I'd leave out both Watson and Bailey and go with four quicks, leaving Finch, Warner, Clarke, Smith, Maxwell, Marsh, Haddin, Johnson, Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood. Of course the naysayers will say the side is short on batting but I'd back this eleven to get the job done. However, rain will have the final say.
Samuel Gosling
Roar Rookie
Maxwell and Marsh batted at 6 and 7 respectively in Australia's opening game, Faulkner usually bats around 7. If all 3 were in the same team, you could play around with the order, especially depending on the game situation, as we know Faulkner is know as "The Finisher" So you'd call on him in the closing overs. This is just my opinion on it, thanks for your input.
Elma Dudd
Guest
I'm reasonably sure I've seen another 500 gazillion articles on this boring subject . Speculate and opinionate all you like but it will make zero difference.
Sideline Comm.
Guest
I can't see Marsh going anywhere, unless they opt for flour quicks, and even then. If Warner is indeed out with a sore thumb Watson will surely play as an opener. That could actually see Bailey remain in the side, the side being: Watson, Finch, Smith, Clarke, Bailey, Maxwell, Marsh, Haddin, Johnson, Starc, Hazlewood/cummins. That's if they don't go for four quicks.
Harvey Wilson
Roar Rookie
Even if Watson does play and find "form" against Bangladesh, it would mean nothing...its Bangladesh. Watson has been selected for no reason for far too long. Time to let young blood take his place in all forms of the game.
Christo the Daddyo
Guest
Watson SHOULD be the one to go, but it's BAILEY who WILL be the one tapped on the shoulder.
jammel
Guest
On the question of who makes way for Pup to return, I think it should probably be Watson. That's assuming they're wedded to Clarke definitely playing…. Watson is out of form. We cannot keep on carrying him and MMarsh is doing the all rounder duties better than Watson. More importantly, though, Bailey batted with solidity and composure - you always need a guy who can rebuild an innings, preferably two. Smith + Clarke + Bailey offer that - and Bailey can go big too. Watson is the better ODI player, and has a phenomenal record, but just looking at the next match - in a World Cup - for mine Watto goes and Bailey remains. The balance of the team will need to be revisited once Faulkner's ready though.
Ozinsa
Guest
You've got to be kidding. Maxwell at 5 and Marsh at 6? We need some runs to defend. Ridiculous -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
Marsh or Bailey will step aside which will be very stupid especially if it ends up as a shortened game.