Shane Watson - Tough or Bluff

[Griffo]

What is your opinion on "the next great australian all rounder" in both his bowling and his batting. I find he hasnt had enough opportuinity at test level with no fault to himself or the selectors just unfortunate injuries. In comparision to the all rounder of this era mr freddie flintoff he actually is a far better batsmen and bowls at the same pace as him. No doubt flintoff is a better bowler but does the bowling define the all rounder???

Shane Watson v Andrew Flintoff (as of the 24th of April 2007)

Batting

Shane Watson
First Class: 49.22
One Day: 35.13
One Day International: 35.64

Andrew Flintoff
First Class: 34.95
One Day: 29.71
One Day International: 32.04


Bowling

Shane Watson
First Class: 30.15
One Day: 35.94
One Day International: 33.61

Andrew Flintoff
First Class: 31.95
One Day: 23.33
One Day International: 25.88

and please compare him to any other modern all rounders in the game at the moment

Note: Shane Watson's First Class Average is also better than Andrew Flintoffs

 

[aussie1st]

For the Aussies it's always been a case of finding a bowling all rounder. If you asked any Aussie on whether they would want Flintoff or Watson I suspect most would pick Flintoff because of his bowling.

His batting should definitely develop, still not convinced with his bowling in the Test arena. He has the pace but without movement he isn't going to be much of a hit in the Test arena.

 

[irottev]

Flintoff has been playing much longer. Once Watson goes through some of the up's and downs then his figures may slip a little. He's still new on the scene.

Defiantly promicing, but he's got a way to go.

 

[Griffo]

Im only comparing him to flintoff because he is the best all rounder in the world at the moment according to cricket analysts just read the poll question

 

[aussie_ben91]

Jacques Kallis is the best allrounder in the world at the moment. He'd be better to compare him with wouldn't he? His the sort of player Watson should strive to become.

 

[mattfb]

Watsons Bowling is not very good at the moment. His Batting is an effective weapon and could save any game late down in the order for Australia. He still has a long way to devolpe though.

 

[Griffo]

were talking bowling all rounder because thats what australia want

 

[mattfb]

Thats why most Aussies would want to choose Flintoff/Pathan allrounder if you go as far as saying Pathan is an allrounder.

 

[aussie1st]

Don't know about the current Pathan, he sounds like Watson will less pace. In form definitely would take Pathan. His 03/04 form against us was a big wow, that reverse swinging yorker to bowl Gilly is what really stands out.

Anyway on the poll question, International quality well it's a bit hard to comment until he plays more test matches.

 

[mattfb]

If Pathans Bowling can improve he will no doubt be able to be calssed as a allrounder.
Watson can be classed more of a batting allrounder.
Just doesn't have the bowling spice due to injurys.

 

[smssia0112]

Jacques Kallis is the best allrounder in the world at the moment. He'd be better to compare him with wouldn't he? His the sort of player Watson should strive to become.

Kallis is definitely the best all-round player, his bowling is better than Watson's, but not as good as Flintoff's, whilst his batting is miles ahead of Flintoff and still a fair bit better than Watson's. Flintoff's bowling is indeed better than Watson's, and whilst Watson shows a lot of potential I don't fancy him as a good test all-rounder, he can't really be relied on with either in sustained periods.

 

[aussie_ben91]

Maybe Watson should just focus on his batting?

 

[Griffo]

He has really developed his ODI batting by using a heavier bat and training to adapt to all situations in the innings he can now bat anywhere 1-11

 

[smssia0112]

Maybe Watson should just focus on his batting?

That would be fine, but he's in the team for his bowling really. His batting was only useful when he was opening, number 7 is not an important position, anyone could fill it. He's there because he is useful as an extra bowling option.

 

[Griffo]

Does anyone have his stats for this world cup compared to kallis and flintoff?