Hello, you either have JavaScript turned off or an old version of Adobe's Flash Player.
Open battle ... Shane Watson and Ed Cowan. Source: Arnulfo Franco / AAP
Everyone talks about the balance of a side. Sometimes it just doesn't look right, then you move one or two around and it just has a better feel to it.
Australian selectors are hoping their balance is right come Test cricket, that's evident by sticking with Ed Cowan and batting Shane Watson at number four.
But we've heard arguments for Watson to open and that's no surprise when you look at his record.
Watson's career average is only 37, but his average as an opener is 43.67.
Delve deeper, remembering there's a double Ashes campaign coming up and his record against England is even better. He's batted 15 times against them, opening on every occasion and averages 48.21.
Before the Ashes though, there's India, where he's batted 11 times and averaged just over 40.
On seven of those occasions though, he came in at number six. Of the four innings he opened he hit 126, 56, 57 and 32 – averaging just over 67.
It's a compelling argument to have him bat with Warner.
But what about Ed Cowan. He has the look of an opener, but not the stats to match – so far.
In 13 tests and 22 innings he's averaged just 32.82. He did score a ton against South Africa this summer but inconsistency is his biggest problem. But let's not be too quick to crucify him, given Australia really doesn't have a wealth of batting to call on and the retirement of Mike Hussey hasn't helped the cause.
Catch all the latest cricket news at Fox Sports
And remember, Matt Hayden was dropped twice from the test team before third time lucky saw him cement his spot. After the same period, 13 tests, Hayden didn't even average 25.
At the back of the selectors minds is Cowan's trip with Australia A to England last year, where he averaged a touch of over 61. His patience and ability to let balls go in moving conditions will be a plus and the selectors are hoping that's the case. It would also make a great foil for Warner.
Clever Cowan will also have stint with Nottinghamshire in the first half of their season, ensuring he gets his eye in before the Ashes.
But with Watson's record as an opener so compelling, Ed is safe for India, a series could make or break him.
We'll get through India first with Warner, Cowan, Hughes, Watson, Clarke and probably Khawaja to make up the top six.
Will the same six play the first test in Trent Bridge in early July? Selectors hope so because it means form on the board.
But a nasty tour of India could change all that! And well know Watson wants to open !
Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang
Watson not an open and shut case
Dengan url
http://sportfoxer.blogspot.com/2013/01/watson-not-open-and-shut-case.html
Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya
Watson not an open and shut case
namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link
Watson not an open and shut case
sebagai sumbernya
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar