Is Shane Watson the Tony Abbott of Australian cricket?

There was a certain irony that Saturday’s one dayer was presided over by Tony Abbott, as Shane Watson once again met his demise prematurely.

Over the passing years he, like Tony, has built a career more on the failings of those around him rather than making any significant contribution.

The PM saw a weakness within his own party and snatched the chance to take the driver’s seat as leader of the opposition. He then capitalised on the disaster that was the Rudd/Gillard government.

Watson too managed to make his own position one of strength not by majestic hundreds but rather on the myth built in Australian cricketing circles that an all-rounder within a team was a right, not a privilege. Despite year upon year of poor returns with the blade and breaking down more times than the Melbourne Eye, he was always seen as indispensable.

The two also share a similar popularity rating with the Australian public, and are whipping boys for every misstep their sides make. Yet both seem blissfully unaware that the end is coming and that neither is likely to see the year out.

But with the PM watching from the stands as Watson sagged back to the dressing room, he may well have thought to himself, “I guess life could be worse… At least I’m not Watto.”

Watson got himself to the marker of 20 before having another stereotypical brain fade. Having worked hard after being caught time and again playing across his front pad by Trent Boult, the build-up of pressure again became too much and he lazily picked out the man in the deep against Dan Vettori’s gentle off-breaks.

While Watson was just one of many top order players to fail against the strong New Zealand line-up, the fact he was again set and should have taken ownership of the innings speaks volumes for his mindset. Again, the issue with Watson’s batting outside of his technique is his inability to turn the strike over regularly. He has long been known as a ‘four or nothing’ cricketer, so teams are ready to sweat on him knowing that if the dots build up he will do something rash.

Quite telling was that Mitchell Marsh was a preferred option with the ball, a glimpse to the likely make up of the side for the knock-out stages.

I know many won’t agree but dropping Watson at this point of the tournament would be a huge error on the part of selectors. Just like the PM has been demanding, Watson needs some breathing room to turn his form around and show his ability in this tournament. While his Test career may be grinding to a halt, there is no doubt he still has a place in the shorter form of the game.

Australia have three group games left against weak opposition with meagre pace attacks. Why not come out and give him the surety that he will play in every group game?

Watson’s problem has never been about being a bully of lesser attacks – his best innings have often come against the best. His battle has always been with his own mind and overcoming his own batting demons. A vote of confidence and couple of significant innings may be the platform for him to launch at the big boys during the business end of the tournament.

With the weaker sides to come, Australia could look to rotate batsman who might need a freshen up following a long summer, and provide everyone in the squad some valuable time in the middle. The format means only a top-four finish is required and any match held in Australia will mean the home side starts favourite.

Unlike the PM, everyone knows Watson has the talent to succeed. Let’s hope he gets similar clean air to put his case forward.