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Ashes 2015: Shane Watson faces tough challenge to maintain position in playing XI for first Test at Cardiff

Playing Watson as an all-rounder and putting him in contention with the likes of Mitchell Marsh can be an intelligent move for Australia.

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Shane Watson (Above) may be replaced by all-rounder Mitchell Marsh © Getty Images
Shane Watson (Above) may be replaced by all-rounder Mitchell Marsh © Getty Images

Poor reputation against the moving ball and scarcity of big scores while batting at coveted positions make Shane Watson’s challenge tougher to retain place in the playing XI, especially for the first Test, explains Devarchit Varma.

He may be a seasoned campaigner, but Shane Watson is not the man to look up to in troubled times. With frailties in batting technique, all Shane Watson brings to the table is good support with the ball as he is an all-rounder, and the experience that he has (which, to be fair, is often invaluable). The last time when Australia were on English shores, Watson was no more than an embarrassment at coveted batting spots, and his shortcomings can certainly push the tourists to opt for someone more dependable in the impending series. READ: Australia will need Mitchells to fire to retain urn in England after 14 years

Watson is not supposed to be a technically sound batsman — he is an all-rounder. Despite knowing this, Australia persisted with him at the No. 3 spot in Ashes 2013 and paid a heavy price. The swing and seam bowlers generate in England proved too much for Watson to handle, and his failures were one of the reasons why Australia lost the last time around. It is wise from them to declare someone as sturdy as Steven Smith at that position, but it is also important for them to see how best Watson can be utilised. READ: Ashes 2015 without sledging will lack flavour

It will be daft to put money on Watson to do the bulk of scoring. His past records suggest that he does not score heavily throughout any series, home or away. He can, at best, chip in with significant knocks here and there. There would be one or two good contributions in a series and Watson would else remain quiet with the bat. Australia know they cannot win Ashes 2015 with performances from their main men here and there. They need consistency, which is something Watson does not promise. READ: Australia must tackle ‘problem of plenty’ in an astute manner

The presence of Adam Voges and Shaun Marsh has heated the competition in the batting line-up, and the availability of the young Mitchell Marsh in the touring party will make life tougher for Watson. Watson had his chances against West Indies and on the tour game against Kent, but he squandered them as others made merry. READ: Steve Smith: I don’t really like to listen to too many people on my batting

Playing Watson as an all-rounder and putting him in contention with the likes of Mitchell Marsh can be an intelligent move for Australia. There are horses for courses, and Watson is certainly not someone who can make the course on venues where the ball moves about. Australia will get a lot more freedom to play around with batsmen who promise them runs in adverse conditions in England.

On his part, Watson would feel he should get a go. There were a couple of good shows towards the end of Ashes 2013 when all was lost. The knock of 176 was as good as any, but it came too late. Australia cannot afford to have a repetition.

(Devarchit Varma is a reporter with CricketCountry. He can be followed on Twitter @Devarchit)

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