3rd Test: Australia v India at Perth Jan 13-17, 2012

[hineyrulz]

I think Warner is on par with Mark Greatbatch at this moment in his career tbh....

Needs more Blair Pocock TBH.........

 

[Big Pete]

I keep forgetting about Watson, he would be the first player to replace Marsh.

But I don't think he should. Don't get me wrong, Watson is a supreme talent but I don't think he's a reliable top order batsmen - he just doesn't have a defensive game. Not to mention, I'm on the same boat as everybody else who hopes that by batting lower down the order it can preserve his bowling career which is where I think his true value lies.

Different stories in the lower format of course, but that's not what we're talking about.

Still feel sorry for Khawaja. He's a victim of circumstance really. Debuted just as Australian cricket hit rock bottom and has played on pitches where nearly everyone struggled, not just him. Hopefully he works on his game a bit more and forces his way back into the side. Knowing our team, it won't be too long before somebody breaks down with injury.

 

[Canard]

I want to see Australia win, as frankly we have been crap for while now, but gee this result really wrecks the weekend.

The game over in what 2 days and 15 or so overs?

Ill have to do something silly like go shopping with the missus today??

 

[African Monkey]

Well bowled last night Starc. The guy has obvious talent that people don't seem to recognise on here. A definite star in the making.

Dravid also looked very good last night. Time for him to prove his doubters wrong today

 

[AlwaysGreen]

Watson is a great batsman? :lol::lol::lol:

 

[snoozer]

what's the latest on watto?

i was under the impression that he's still recovering and isn't likely anytime soon.

 

[Chip Bayless]

The word great can be used all to liberally, I am perhaps guilty of it when discussing Watson purely as a batsmen. That said, Watson is at worst a very good batsmen (1446 runs in 2010/11 @ 54.30 though has struggled in his last five Tests across 2011) and more than capable of being in the side on batting alone ahead of Marsh who is struggling. Watson is too good a talent as a batsmen to not include if only because he is limited as a bowler at the moment. Steve Waugh at stages went through this. My preferred line-up would read: Warner, Cowan, Watson, Ponting, Clarke, Hussey & Wade (though Haddin will see out series).

 

[AlwaysGreen]

Watson is not a number 3, just like he is not an opener. 4 is the highest spot he should bat although 5 or 6 would be his best position. Marsh will more than likely play in Adelaide as will Brad Scissorhands.

Watson is a very good batsmen compared to Australia's other options but compared to players of the past he's a Graham Yallop or Andrew Hilditch class batsmen.

 

[umina panther]

Watson at 6 and has to bowl to make the team

 

[aussies1st]

Watson at 4 given Hussey will be around a while longer. So Ponting would go to 3 again but there are still question marks about him early on.

 

[Chip Bayless]

We will agree to disagree on Watson. I believe he can bat as high as three (I'd prefer Watson trialled there and as opposed to moving Ponting back up to first drop. I also love Clarke at five.) though four would be preferable when Ponting moves on. I feel six is perhaps a little low for him, Christian might be an option there in the future.

Enjoy day three all.

 

[Chip Bayless]

As for Watson status re injury - not sure. I heard he may have been in line for possible recall next Test. If not, we are unlikely to see changes barring Lyon in for Starc or Harris.

 

[Cletus]

As for Watson status re injury - not sure. I heard he may have been in line for possible recall next Test. If not, we are unlikely to see changes barring Lyon in for Starc or Harris.

It's always safe to assume he's got an injury of some sort.

 

[Meth]

Watson's had a lean and injury hampered 2011, but I don't get all of the hate. (For his play- as a person, he seems to be a wanker). I'd have him at either 4 or 6 in this Aussie team as soon as he is fit.

 

[Chip Bayless]

It's always safe to assume he's got an injury of some sort.

Touche.

Watson's had a lean and injury hampered 2011, but I don't get all of the hate. (For his play- as a person, he seems to be a wanker). I'd have him at either 4 or 6 in this Aussie team as soon as he is fit.

Shane Watson suffers as Michael Clarke does unfortunately. It is what it is. I am only interested in what they do on the field and don't know them to attach their character off field. If there are haters, I am sure zero disagree that a fit Shane Watson is great news for Australia.

 

[Mr Angry]

Whilst i agree Watson when fit is top 11, his selfishness has held us back. His insistence on wanting to open has clearly held back players and the team as a whole, it took injury to allow others to prove themselves.

His place in the test is all rounder. He should be 6 and playing with the tail.

 

[VictoryFC]

Batting is still a major issue. The middle order was glossed over in Sydney, but they are an ongoing concern. As are the top order really.

When Hussey goes, Watson should come in at 6. Cowan or Phil Hughes long term to open alongside Warner. Cowan looks a good bet considering the nice balance he and Warner can strike up. Then expect Ponting to follow suit, in which case a replacement by Khawaja seems likely. Haddin...well, its up to Wade or Paine to make their claim.

Warner
Cowan
Marsh
Khawaja
Clarke
Watson
Haddin/Wade/Paine
Lyon
FB 1
FB 2
FB 3

The bonus is that the lower order seems to be one of the best in the world. 50+ runs for those last 4 wickets is good value. Not to mention possible frustrating partnerships by all those batsmen when partnered with a middle order/top order batsman.

 

[Twizzle]

If you are good enough to bat at 1 then you are good enough to bat at 3.

Question is Watson was picked at 1 because Notch was bowling rubbish as stupid as that sounds and I dont think it was ever intended as a permanent move, even Watson said that himself in an interview I heard just before Christmas, seems he is resigned to the fact that his future lies in the middle order.

 

[snoozer]

Watson's had a lean and injury hampered 2011, but I don't get all of the hate. (For his play- as a person, he seems to be a wanker). I'd have him at either 4 or 6 in this Aussie team as soon as he is fit.

i don't think many actually hate watson - we'd just like to see him fit and batting at 6

 

[Chip Bayless]

If you are good enough to bat at 1 then you are good enough to bat at 3.

Question is Watson was picked at 1 because Notch was bowling rubbish as stupid as that sounds and I dont think it was ever intended as a permanent move, even Watson said that himself in an interview I heard just before Christmas, seems he is resigned to the fact that his future lies in the middle order.

Well said, agree 100%. I believe he will and should be given opportunity at three when he comes back from injury. I would prefer him at four when Ponting is retired though.