Watson as test opener?

[aussie1st]

Just read an article that says Tim Nielsen thinks Watson can make it as a Test opener. After what I saw with Watson opening for Queensland all I can see is a lot of ducks on the screen. Apart from Katich being in career best for and the man most likely to take Hayden spot once he retires, we also have some very good openers coming through in Phil Hughes and Steven Smith. So between those 3 and probably some other openers I've missed we are more than covered.

Here is the article http://www.smh.com.au/news/cricket/...-opener-nielsen/2008/07/02/1214950838984.html

 

[usy]

I think he would not be a good opener, He's a very good Middle order batsman though, who has the ability to take pressure.

 

[Left_Hander]

I think if Watson had to opening the batting it would be in ODI and not Tests. He's a good batsmen but I don't think he could cut it batting that high in the order. Let's just hope he stays fit and on the park so we can actually see how he goes in any format for the time being.

 

[stereotype]

and i dont think he is a test match bowler either, his bowling would hold some bearing but the current openers will be much better

 

[Left_Hander]

I don't see any problem with Jaques or Hayden. Katich had a fairly good series in the Carribean. Jaques was a bit patchy but hasn't really put a foot wrong since getting the job. Hussey also had a poor series but like Jaques hasn't had bad series since he has been in the side.

So four possible openers, I don't think Watson would get a look in.

 

[mattfb]

LOL! No chance.

He certainly hasn't got the tempermant to be a test match batter and I couldn't say he was in our top 5 openers right now. He's to vunerable to the new ball imo and I dont think he can bat long innings.

 

[smssia0112]

For the 10th time, no! He failed miserably opening for Queensland, is Tim Nielsen a moron? Did he actually see what happened when Watson tried opening? And now he's almost suggested that he doesn't care what Watson does in domestic cricket, and that it only matters what he gets in ODI cricket.

How has Chris Rogers been forgotten so easily is my question, he and Katich are the two best contenders in my opinion.

 

[angryangy]

Might be useful in an injury situation, but mainly just not necessary.

 

[Left_Hander]

How has Chris Rogers been forgotten so easily is my question, he and Katich are the two best contenders in my opinion.

I have completely forgotten about him. Took a brillian catch in his only game but no one has talked about him. Maybe give him a go in One Dayers?

 

[Mad Snake]

no, he doesn't have the patience and and has the wrong style to be a test opener, maybe it can work in ODI's but definitely not tests

 

[smssia0112]

Rogers isn't much of an ODI opener, which is why he left WA for Victoria, wasn't getting much of a go. He's definitely a test specialist. I'm still waiting for Jaques to be given a go in ODI cricket, he'd clearly be a good opener there, he's aggressive enough.

 

[Left_Hander]

Jaques made 95 (?) in his first ODI against the World XI back in 2005. I don't think he has played much in the team since then. I would like to see him given a go but Marsh has been going alright lately.

 

[mattfb]

Jaques made 95 (?) in his first ODI against the World XI back in 2005. I don't think he has played much in the team since then. I would like to see him given a go but Marsh has been going alright lately.

Jaques is a class one day player. I dont understand why the selectors dont play him there.

 

[lightbulb]

Well, in tests, you have Matthew Hayden and Phil Jaques or Simon Katich to open so the spot is already firmly filled. As well as this, Watson is too gung-ho if you know what I mean. And I agree with Jaques playing in ODIs, why hasn't he at least been included in a squad?

 

[irottev]

I doubt Watson is good enough. And anyway, I think Australia has much better options in Jaques, Hayden (for a wee while longer), Rogers, maybe Hussey and i'm sure there's a bunch of other guys at domestic performing well.