I’ll admit I like Shane Watson. Sure I’m not going to invite him over for risotto and a robust discussion on Proust but when the man is firing on the cricket field he is the real deal. Big healthy cricket shots and tight, wicket taking bowling make for brilliant all round package. But without, and yet while, stating the obvious we’ve not seen very much of that for a while. It would seem Watson’s bowling has been his only saving grace and last night at the MCG, not even that aspect of his game could save him. It would seem that time out in the middle is not helping Shane Watson.
So then why is the immediate response to Clarke’s return to the team, the dropping of Bailey rather than Watson ? The obvious answer is Watson’s all rounder status. Understandable in some respects however with Mitchell Marsh’s bowling improving (he took a 5 wicket haul in his World Cup debut last night) and his strong batting performances (admittedly lower in the order) is Shane Watson’s replacement already in the team? Ian Chappel has an opinion (surprise, surprise).
So dropping Watson and leaving Bailey leaves Australia a bowler short. Yet with Watson’s form with the bat at present, leaving him in means we’re short a batsmen! Then what happens when James Faulkner gets fully fit? There is no way that man should ever be left out of a one day team.
The Australian selectors are huge fans of No Ball so please present all ideas in the comments section below.
Just to show we are still fans – Shane Watson’s better moments.
