Published: Sep 03, 2015, 10:45 AM (IST)
Edited: Sep 03, 2015, 10:45 AM (IST)
Five thousand plus One-Day International (ODI) runs from 166 games at an average of 40.80, 185 not out, 166 wickets: the numbers speak volumes for Shane Watson as an all-rounder. But has he been justifying the talent he has got? Doesn’t seem like. Two half-centuries, two single digit and five under 30 scores is what the Australian has to his name in his last ten innings. The five-match ODI series against England starting Thursday is surely a massive chance Watson has got to prove himself: if he fails, he could well be playing his final ODI series as Australia increasingly look to rebuild their side. He is not the only one cricketer who is under the radar; teammate George Bailey, who has not been as impactful as Watson in the past also has serious questions over his form and effectiveness. READ: Nathan Lyon deserved to play in the 2015 ODI series against England
The recent bizarre dismissal against England in the one-off Twenty20 at Cardiff was probably Watson’s career’s one of the most embarrassing moment as it has made him a laughing stock on social media. The 34-year-old blocked the fifth delivery from Steven Finn, only to suddenly panic when the ball spun back towards his stumps. The Queenslander, who turns out to be a horrible striker, attempted to kick the ball away, failing to stop it miserably as he watched on in horror as the bails dropped down. This was one of the many instances that were evident of the instability in his game which brings no good news for the longevity of his international career. READ: Nathan Lyon deserved to play in the 2015 ODI series against England
It was the same ground a couple of weeks where Watson had perhaps played his final Test for Australia, at least in England. After falling leg-before twice in the opener of the Ashes 2015, where his poor technique and inability to learn from his previous mistakes came forth, it eventually forced the selectors to drop him in the second Test. Mitchell Marsh, who is considered to be the next best all-rounder for the visitors, made full use of the rare opportunity as he delivered with both bat and ball and eventually played a crucial role in Australia’s massive 405-run victory at Lord’s.
Watson is clearly under pressure at the moment: the all-rounder knows Australia, the country that he served for more than 13 years with his numerous match winning performances, now has a replacement for him and there is no way they would take any chance at the stake of the team’s well-being. It’s a bitter truth that Watson is aware of: he is no longer the same aggressive batsman who could play the big knocks for Australia; there is a lot to do psychologically though. READ: WACA to shift Test cricket to new Perth Stadium
Meanwhile, former skipper Bailey who has appeared for 58 ODIs for Australia has very few moments to remember — two centuries, one against West Indies and second against India — although the year 2013 has been the most flourishing one in his career since his debut in 2012. Beginning with the ODI series in England, he was the fourth top-scorer with 173 runs from four games at a decent average of almost 57. The visitors were in a similar position as they are now, with Ashes already lost, winning the shorter format series is all they have.
The 32-year-old Bailey carried the good form to Asia where the Australians played India in the seven-match ODI series. He finished second behind Rohit Sharma in that series with 478 runs from six games that included three fifties and an excellent century at Nagpur. It was the same year when his captaincy prospered and he well balanced it and managed to gather runs on regular basis. The following year, the Tasmania cricketer led Indian Premier League (IPL) side Kings XI Punjab to their very first final; however they failed to win it.
With the Australian team rebuilding at present following the exit of Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin from ODIs, the presence of Watson and Bailey can be a great help for the young lot because there is a lot they can learn from these two. The absence of an experienced player in this side can hurt them in the upcoming matches, it depends on these senior men how they reconstruct themselves in this format, and if they fail to do so, it would be time for them to put curtains down to their respective ODI careers. READ: Australia thought they broke England at Lord’s in Ashes 2015: Rod Marsh
(Sakshi Gupta, a reporter with CricketCountry, is a sports fanatic whose mantra in life is “do only what you enjoy.” Her Twitter handle is @sakshi2929)
