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[Manormanic]

I think it says something about the rest of the team when Australia can knock over teams like England, SA and India with a no. 3 batsman like that. Imagine if they picked someone competent.

India would argue they mullered Australia in their conditions easier than Australia did to them.  England have slaughtered a Watson-ed Australia three times out of four and South Africa better than break even. 

My point wasn't particularly to diss Watson though - he isn't a test 3 but as a six bat and fifth bowler he's better than most.  As Stokes will probably be given time.

[Manormanic]

And on that note... new underwear for Trotty!

s'ok - he be mates with the coach and skipper!

[eddiec]

India would argue they mullered Australia in their conditions easier than Australia did to them.  England have slaughtered a Watson-ed Australia three times out of four and South Africa better than break even. 

My point wasn't particularly to diss Watson though - he isn't a test 3 but as a six bat and fifth bowler he's better than most.  As Stokes will probably be given time.

Fair enough, I was mostly thinking of the last year or two, where Aus have been doing well despite no. 3 not scoring runs. I was just imagining how much better the team would be with a number three who performs like du Plessis, Sangakarra or Ballance have been over that time. They got a bit of a hiding in the years before that to be fair. Maybe they'll drop Smith in at three, he's batting as well as anyone at the moment. Watson should be given a crack at coming in at 5 or 6, but it's concerning that he doesn't score well in tests regardless of position, even though he scores well in ODIs.

[Manormanic]

Fair enough, I was mostly thinking of the last year or two, where Aus have been doing well despite no. 3 not scoring runs. I was just imagining how much better the team would be with a number three who performs like du Plessis, Sangakarra or Ballance have been over that time. They got a bit of a hiding in the years before that to be fair. Maybe they'll drop Smith in at three, he's batting as well as anyone at the moment. Watson should be given a crack at coming in at 5 or 6, but it's concerning that he doesn't score well in tests regardless of position, even though he scores well in ODIs.

It has certainly been a weak spot for them - from the top of my head they've tried, what, Quiney, Watson, Doolan, Shaun Marsh, Maxwell...

...I guess Ponting's boots were horrendously big ones to fill and that this provides yet more evidence of how you don't realise how good/valuable a player can be until they're not there.