Counting down to the back-to-back Ashes series in 2013/14

[Arthur Crabtree]

Watson's made a start today. Cowan out, Khawaja at three. Wonder why not Hughes?

[Gingerfinch]

Yep, to many fifties. I did say 'ok' and that's about right. I'm not sure he's that important to the team if he doesn't bowl. Will he be turning his arm over this summer?

[SaintPowelly]

Watson has done ok opening, better than at five or six, I would guess.

Averages 43 as an opener, and 23 everywhere else, or something like that.

[alfie]

Watson's made a start today. Cowan out, Khawaja at three. Wonder why not Hughes?

Obviously saving Hughes to use his skills later against the spinners...

[Gingerfinch]

Another fifty for Watson, albeit a 90.

[alfie]

Watson has done ok opening, better than at five or six, I would guess.

Averages 43 as an opener, and 23 everywhere else, or something like that.

Frankly not much point playing Watson unless he opens. In theory he might be useful down the order , but it has never really worked.
True he doesn't go on to big scores , but at least he gets a start often as not - was actually pretty consistent in 2009 Ashes. Not as if there are any Haydens or Taylors lining up for the spot...

[rich1uk]

I still say people are reading too much into a purple patch Watson had when he was asked to open the batting after they dropped hughes in 2009

if you look at the last 18 months he spent as an opener his figures are very very similar to his overall career

I still say he just happened to be opening the batting during a spell of very good form and that was why he had good stats rather than it being anything to do with where he was batting

[shankycricket]

So if he does well in this Ashes as an opener, will you accept that he's actually more suited there or will you just say that he has suddenly struck a "purple patch" again? Can't be all coincidence surely?

[rich1uk]

that's a bit of a silly question shanks as it would depend on how well he actually does

are you denying that for the last 18 months he spent as an opener he averaged 35 I think ?

you were calling for strauss's head and demanding he never play test cricket again when he had a run like that

[Gingerfinch]

I think Watson like facing the new ball, as he loves a hard ball on his bat, being a bit of a stand and deliver type of player.

Not long now

[shankycricket]

that's a bit of a silly question shanks as it would depend on how well he actually does

are you denying that for the last 18 months he spent as an opener he averaged 35 I think ?

you were calling for strauss's head and demanding he never play test cricket again when he had a run like that

Beggars can't be chosers. With the state of Oz batting, thats not such a bad record.

[Arthur Crabtree]

So Rogers and Watson will open. Anyone get that?

Definites.

Watson
Rogers


Clarke

Haddin

Pattinson

[dan08]

Cowan at 3, Clarke at 4, Hughes at 5, Smith/Warner at 6.

[Arthur Crabtree]

And Siddle is all but a cert. Many are saying Australia will definitely playing a spinner, so add Lyon.

[GarlicJam]

I was just reading in the paper how Lehmann is saying that Siddle is no certainty - as he has been down on form and Lehmann will be selecting on form only, not past efforts or reputation.

however, Lehmann is far from being the first coach or selector to say that upon starting their role, and then falling into the standard.