Ashes debate thread.

[evertonfan]

It may have been due to injuries, but from what i've seen of Watson, I would call him medium-fast at best. He bowls far too many wide deliveries, and even Mahmood wouldn't be jealoous of his bowling. Not sure about his batting though, but i'd rather put Symonds in there, or dare I say Harvey? Both better than Watson in my opinion.

 

[brad352]

It may have been due to injuries, but from what i've seen of Watson, I would call him medium-fast at best. He bowls far too many wide deliveries, and even Mahmood wouldn't be jealoous of his bowling. Not sure about his batting though, but i'd rather put Symonds in there, or dare I say Harvey? Both better than Watson in my opinion.

Bowls around 140, his problem is he hasn't been moving the ball- never said I rated his bowling, but he's not slow. I think he's a fair way ahead of Symonds in both departments, realistically he'd only be bowling a few overs an innings so his batting is more important from a team balance point of view.

 

[MUFC1987]

Bowls around 140, his problem is he hasn't been moving the ball- never said I rated his bowling, but he's not slow. I think he's a fair way ahead of Symonds in both departments, realistically he'd only be bowling a few overs an innings so his batting is more important from a team balance point of view.

I have to argue with that. You can claim who will play all you like, but we now know for sure (barring Injuries) that McGrath, Lee, Gillespie and Warne will be your Bowling attack. Warne, no problem, he can bowl all day and probably will at some point. However, Lee can only be used in bursts, McGrath is getting on and lacks match fitness, so he could struggle. Leaving you with Gillespie, who can go from sublime to ridiculous, in the space of an Andrew Strauss cover drive. That all rounder needs to bowl a lot and with Watson there, I fancy our chances.

 

[brad352]

We've never had problems getting 90 overs a day out of those four on their own previously, you can't tell me that they've all aged so terribly in the space of a few months that they're now incapable of bowling 20 overs each in a days play.

 

[MUFC1987]

We've never had problems getting 90 overs a day out of those four on their own previously, you can't tell me that they've all aged so terribly in the space of a few months that they're now incapable of bowling 20 overs each in a days play.

As I've said, Lee is limited to about 15-17 max. McGrath depends on fitness, so say that's 30 overs between them. Gillespie could bowl more, but if he's getting smacked to all parts again, he'll be taken off, hence why you'll need a decent seamer. Your problem is that Watson is pretty poor and won't take wickets unless he gets someone to hole out or mistime an attacking shot.

 

[brad352]

5 overs a session? McGrath bowls 8-10 in his opening spell alone a lot of the time, the rest won't have done him any harm and there's no shortage of games leading up to the series to get everyone match fit. If someone's getting smacked around, of course someone will have to pick up the slack- it's hardly a new scenario, but in a normal days play Watson would be lucky to get 2 spells. In any case, he's far from the worst fifth bowler to play Test cricket

 

[aussie1st]

What about Bracken? Left arm, swings it a bit, I reckon he should take the third seamer position.

Only in the swinging condition, still haven't seen him produce the goods in the flat pitches.

 

[genghis_khan]

I am looking forward to seeing Watson step up to the plate this summer...it's make or break for him and im sure the selectors will give him plenty of opportunties. He's been working hard at the centre of excellence and thoroughly deserves 1st crack at #6.

As for third seamer? hmmmm Clark, Bracken, Gillespie, Kasper are all in there fighting for it...and you never know young Johnson might fill the role at some point (doubt it though)
The Gabba is Kasper's home ground and he has the stats to back him up there, Bracken bowled superbly there last November against the Windies but I suspect Clark will bowl first change at the Gabba.

 

[aussie_ben91]

I am looking forward to seeing Watson step up to the plate this summer...it's make or break for him and im sure the selectors will give him plenty of opportunties. He's been working hard at the centre of excellence and thoroughly deserves 1st crack at #6.

As for third seamer? hmmmm Clark, Bracken, Gillespie, Kasper are all in there fighting for it...and you never know young Johnson might fill the role at some point (doubt it though)
The Gabba is Kasper's home ground and he has the stats to back him up there, Bracken bowled superbly there last November against the Windies but I suspect Clark will bowl first change at the Gabba.

Hmmm, I'm not so sure about playing Watson. I think Australia would benefit more from playing 6 batsman (7 if you count Gilchrist of course) and playing the 3 seamers and Warne.

Personally, I think Jaques deserves a spot over Watson or Symonds. His batting has been superve and even if he can't open the batsman then surely he could possibly get a slot in the middle order perhaps? Afterall, Michael Hussey never batted anywhere other then opening position until he got selected to the Australian side and his become a fantastic middle order batsman and pretty much the only lieable source over the past year with the likes of Clarke, Martyn & Gilchrist not performing.

Whose saying that might not happen for Jaques? I mean, atleast try it and see how it goes and give him a little more taste of the test match level with the careers of Hayden & Langer possibly coming to a near end then he'd perfectly slot into the position. As far as I know, I've been seeing articles of Jaques making double-centuries over in England over the past few months. I haven't seen nothing from Watson or Clarke.

While I think Symonds just doesn't fit the Test Match arena. His played several odd matches and has basically looked clueless during his innings' and wasn't given a decent bowl until it was noted that he wasn't actually getting a bowl! His a fantastic one day player, don't get me wrong. He'll probably play a huge part in Australia's World Cup Campaign coming up in a years time but for me. Symonds just isn't a Test Match player.

 

[aussie1st]

I wouldn't mind seeing Jaques in the team but it won't happen unless hes opening or at worst batting at 4. Watson scored a 160 odd against a good Pakistan A attack. He has the patience to make a big one and thats what we need at number 6.

 

[genghis_khan]

Yes like aussie1st said the reason why Watson has suddenly catapulted back into contention is his impressive 'A' series both with bat and ball. I think it's about time we backed the kid in, show some confidence in him and he will deliver.

 

[angryangy]

Only in the swinging condition, still haven't seen him produce the goods in the flat pitches.

This pitch was pretty flat...
http://aus.cricinfo.com/db/ARCHIVE/2005-06/AUS_IN_RSA/SCORECARDS/AUS_RSA_ODI5_12MAR2006.html

Seriously though, I think if he is given enough time he will produce the results that are sought. If he's not good enough, then I think we will have a hard time dealing with almost any bowler in the side.

 

[langerrox]

Given what Pietersen did to the Sri Lankan medium pacers, and Abdul Razzaq; I feel that Watson could be in for some heavy treatment.

Australia are still going to hammer us though, Watson will just be a weak link.

slow medium pace stuff??
nah in the super test he was bowling 140-146km/h he aint slow, I personaly think his got talent and just needs an oppurnity(sp?), he gets dropped in SA for no reason and its going to ruin his confidence give him a chance and he will deliver!!

 

[cricketmad09]

He has a batting average of 50 in first class cricket.

I dont think many people realise the batting potential he actually has

 

[langerrox]

wow i just realised that,
http://content-aus.cricinfo.com/australia/content/player/8180.html
he made a double century not too long ago too!