Shane Watson fills the void

aussie1st · 10th November 2009, 11:31 PM

After ranting on about Australia's need for a destructive batsmen, Shane Watson answered the call with an impressive display of early hitting in the 4th ODI against India. While Watson's 93 off 88 balls doesn't sound impressive and his opening 9 overs were far from destructive, it was the aggressive intent which was the most pleasing aspect. He also upped his strike rate between the 9th and 17th over which saw him at 79 off just 63 balls which gave Australia one of their best starts post Hayden and Gilchrist.

The following match didn't require a destructive start but Watson played a knock that Ponting has become known for lately, by scoring at a run a ball on a very difficult pitch. With Watson already heading home, we will have to wait the ODIs coming up this summer to know if this was just a one off or if this was the coming of age for Watson.

The selectors face an interesting decision when the ODI series against Pakistan comes around. Brad Haddin should be fit and ready to go and he appeared to like his stint at the top of the order despite him saying he likes the middle order. While Marsh has done a solid job when put in the opening role, the balance of the side becomes a problem with only 5 bowling options with White and Clarke not bowling. Haddin and Watson as openers would help with the balance and give us a chance to see how the two would work together. While they don't give the right/left hand combo that Watson/Marsh offers, the balance of the side has been an important issue for Ponting.

And I will finish this article off talking about White turning back the clock. In my previous article A destructive missing link, I mentioned that White was capable of providing us with a destructive middle order batsmen. Like Watson, he clearly got the message when he produced a destructive 57 off just 33 balls in the 4th ODI, that propelled Australia to 350, after Watson's opening burst.

The future is looking bright for Australia in the destructive department that I continue to harp on about. If Watson and White can continue this form through the summer and if Haddin/Marsh can combine well at the top with Watson, then me worrying about the quick starts or our ability to post big totals, could be a thing of the past.

Highlander999 · 10th November 2009, 11:57 PM

Nice article Syl. Gotta agree with you, I think 2010 is going to be a very good year for Australian cricket. After the transition period of losing the likes of Warne, McGrath, Hayden, Langer and Gilchrist, the youngsters have really begun to shine and I think come the Ashes in 2010/11, Australia are going to be in a very strong position.

Is great to watch Australia play though, very exciting cricket style they play

spaga1994 · 11th November 2009, 12:28 AM

Great article mate, Australia are going to be very strong this summer

baggy_blogger · 16th November 2009, 10:56 AM

Nice article Sylvester.
I know you get frustrated sometimes with the teams rebuilding stages, but it's cool to read this article and realise that the transition period our team has been going through is very exciting now!
Watto is a super bloke too and I'm proud that he is back in the side again, although I prefer his game in the ODI format. Exciting cricketer when he gets it going on his day!