Should Shane Watson be dropped from the Test side?

image: www.smh.com.au

The turmoil in Australian cricket has probably intensified since I wrote my last piece about Shane Watson during the Indian Tour. There have been Twitter arguments, coach sackings, bar punch-ups against the opposition and it has meant that the performance in the field has suffered as a result. Yes, the Australians fought well at Trent Bridge but there were signs in that test that new coach Darren Lehmann has much work to do in turning the Australian XI into a very competitive unit at a minimum. However, Lehmann's ultimate aim is to develop the Australians into the best cricket team in the world.

How did it go so wrong? The mistakes of the 1980’s were large enough for the Australian Cricket Board (now rebranded as Cricket Australia) to develop a training academy so that the best available talent could be found and trained to be the world’s best. This process resulted in the development of a team that was remarkable in what it achieved. It appears that this model is now out-dated.

With all the off-field happenings it is no wonder that the Australian team has struggled and there has been little on-field stability since the retirements of Ponting and Hussey as the selectors seek consistency from the batting order. The one shining light in the batting has been Clarke’s form over the last 18 months. The bowlers have done their part not only with the ball but with the bat as well.

There appears to be a fractured relationship between Clarke and Watson, to the extent that Watson has lost the vice-captaincy to Brad Haddin who himself was recalled after Matthew Wade lost form.

Watson appears disinterested on the field and has been selfish through his use of the referral system. Michael Vaughan was almost scathing in his assessment of Watson’s technique during the second test, this sentiment was backed up by David Lloyd and again by former Australian Captain and cricketing great Allan Border. In my opinion, Watson has at times lacked the mental fortitude to perform at the highest level. He often throws his wickets away and has scored several 90’s before getting out going for the glory shot to pass the century.

In March, I questioned Watson’s commitment to the Australian Team and I still question whether he remains committed to the team. Watson still comes across as selfish and his first reaction to his 2nd Innings dismissal in the Lords test was to review the decision even though looked very unlikely to be overturned. The best option may be to drop Watson for the remainder of the Ashes series in England to allow him time and space to figure out where his priorities lie. This would allow Phil Hughes to open and Warner to bat at six with Smith at four or Warner could slot straight back into the opening spot with no other change to the batting order.

Despite all the assurances that there is no disharmony within the Australian team, actions are speaking much louder than words at the moment. This situation needs to be rectified quickly or it is quite possible that Australia will lose the current Ashes series in a 5-0 whitewash and the prospects for the Australian summer will look just as bleak.