With Shane Watson set to be dropped in favour of the up and coming Mitchell Marsh, Australia have backed itself into a corner with only one way out.
By dropping Shane Watson for the second Ashes Test, set to get under-way at Lord’s tonight, it would seem the Australian selectors have set their standard. Mediocrity will no longer be accepted.
Upon a closer look it appears they have taken the first step towards digging themselves into a giant hole.
The problem lies in Watson’s replacement. Mitchell Marsh’s record at Test level until now suggests nothing to say he will perform better than his senior rival. An average of 37.42 in eight innings is nothing to write home about. His single Test match wicket in 61 overs is well below par.
A quick peek at Mitchell’s first class batting record only places further confusion over his selection. My head must be itchy.
A first class batting average of 32.12 in 80 innings with only four tons is a record that is worse than Watson’s record at the next level up (Test cricket).
On the other hand, his bowling record at the first class level is good. 63 wickets in 46 matches is a stat worth having on his resume. But again in comparison to Watson’s 75 wickets in 59 Test matches, again at the next level up, Marsh’s stats alone don’t warrant his spot as Watson’s replacement.
Realistically, Australia is choosing to forgo 55 Test matches of experience in Shane Watson, for a player who’s statistics are slightly more mediocre. And if Marsh fails, the question of what to do next is a doozie’. The giant hole will being to open.
And so the question is raised – what is to be gained by Mitchell Marsh’s selection?
Well, for starters Mitch is on his way up; he has a whole career ahead of him to earn and fight for.
Mitch is also young and enthusiastic. He can also exit the ground after his dismissal five times faster than Watson’s ‘feel sorry for me’ crawl.
His public impression is generally good. His demeanour as a batsman is like the Hayden of old – on his day, he bullies bowlers around. In the field, his movement and skills are excellent. Yes, Watson is a good first slipper, but you can’t place him anywhere else. We’ve all seen him attempt to run.
So as we turn on our televisions tonight as a nation, Australia will be hoping that Mitchell Marsh succeeds. Because if he doesn’t nothing has been gained, and we are back to square one.
Mitchell Marsh must succeed.
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