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[vividgreen]

Hi Guys,
i thought i would run this past fellow cricket lovers. Do you think Shane Watson is a good enough batsmen to be selected in the Australian team as a batsmen only (no bowling duties)

I find it hard to comprehend why the Australian selectors have a policy of "Allrounder or nothing" for Shane Watson - if he can't bowl he doesn't get selected.
I can understand this train of thought if they had plenty of batsmen knocking the test door down, but its pretty bear at the moment - surely he would be in their best 4 or 5 batsmen. His batting record is half decent....

[Buzz]

yes, he is good enough to play as a batsman. he should make more tons than he does though.

[langer17]

When he wasn't bowling he as averaging 45 or 46 since returning from his injuries and being a regular member of the team, but since bowling again, his average has dropped to under 40. I'd say he should definitely come into the team if he is just a batsmen. Quiney out, Watson in. End of discussion really.

[Jenko]

Watson to open with cowan, quiney out, Usman back in....really rate him have done for a while now!

[Old boy]

Yes!! Watson should be in as a batsman only. His first entry, or entries, into test cricket was as a bowling allrounder but his body was not up to it. He finally made it back as a batsman, and did well, although he has not gotten those big innings that we'd like to see, he has been consistent. Unfortunately it would appear that the bowling has caught up with him again. He has shown that he is capable of still playing all 3 forms as a batsman only.

[langer17]

Watson to open with cowan, quiney out, Usman back in....really rate him have done for a while now!

Who goes out for Khawaja?

[langer17]

Who goes out for Khawaja?

Would have to be Warner or Ponting really. Hussey got runs so he won't be out and Ponting was smashing the shield before the tests. Warner didn't play any first class cricket, and not much cricket at all in the lead up to the series. Tough, but I agree, Khawaja should come back in at some stage.

[Jenko]

Yeah Warner would be the guy to go for kwahaja if Watson was to come back as an opener...

[smokem]

I agree Warner should go out for Watto. I'm not sure Warner is quite ready for the South African quicks. Quiney got out to a rash shot. But his footwork against Steyn in particular was really impressive - really quick into position. I think he deserves more time.

[Village Trundler]

Don't personally think so.

Arguably the best old ball bowler in the team.... I reckon he is a bowling allrounder, stuck in the top order because they struggled to find batsmen.

He could be a brilliant allrounder if managed properly, but instead he is a mediocre opening batsman. Should wait til he is fit, then move him to the middle order where his style is better suited.

[Number4]

I see him more as an Ian Botham type middle order batsman/all rounder. Don't think Botham opened too many innings did he?

[Jenko]

I agree with giving quiney more of a go....I just think khawaja should be slotted in and not sure who else would go if him and Watson were to come in.

[vividgreen]

Ok, looks like a topic for a good discussion. Personally my line up would be;

Cowan
Quiney (is a geniune opener who should be given a chance)
Watson or Clarke
Ponting
Clarke or Watson
Hussey
Wade
Siddle (or Cummings when he gets fit )
Patterson
Starc or Hilfy (geniune swing bowlers)
Lyon

I think Warner may not quite be ready against top line attacks that the S.Africa and England have - he is alright when he can bully inferior attacks.
Ponting will come good....... was the only batsmen scoring sheild runs on green lively strips early season.

Khawaja will eventually take Pontings spot at No3, with Clarke at No4 and Watson dropping down to No5, bullying tired bowling attacks in the middle order - sounds nice doesn't it....

[keysersolze]

I love watching Watto play, when he is in the groove and hitting freely its as good as Chris Gayle for big hitting. Bowling is too much on his Calves and thighs now as can be seen in the change of his bowling technique from 10 years ago compared to now. But what a player if he can be fit for the ashes and hitting freely its a done deal ashes on their way back down under, and dont write punter of he still has it!!!!

[Buzz]

I am a massive fan of warner, I don't want to see him dropped.