Shane Watson's Continued Struggles May Put Australia Career in Doubt

Amid Australia’s strong batting performances against India in the first Test in Adelaide, doubts remain over a number of individuals, most notably Shane Watson.

The 33-year-old has been dismissed for 14 and 33 in this game on a batsman-friendly pitch, having once again made starts in his innings but then failed to push on. Both times in this game he was removed by false shots—in the first innings as he wafted a catch to slip and in the second as he was bowled through the gate.

In a crucial position at three in the batting order, more must be expected of Watson, especially if he is to play as a specialist batsman as opposed to an all-rounder. It does not bode well that he has not managed a Test century in a year since he made 103 against England at Perth, while he has only passed 50 once since that innings.

Watson has made just four Test centuries since he made his debut in 2005, a decent return but not what the Australians would like at three.

The position itself remains deeply important in Test cricket, and all too often it seems as though the right-hander plays himself in only to get out playing a loose shot.

In spite of scoring two of his four centuries at three, he has also given away a number of good starts and has been removed.

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With some good players emerging for Australia, he may find his place under threat sooner rather than later.

One such player bats at six in this game, as Mitchell Marsh has come in and shown tremendous promise with bat and ball. A pair of 40s in this game at good strike rates—especially in the second innings as the hosts pushed for a declaration—show he has the ability to succeed at this level as an all-rounder.

Elsewhere, his brother Shaun Marsh continues to make a case for himself in the Sheffield Shield for Western Australia with a number of big scores. Having been on standby for captain Michael Clarke as he battles back from injuries, Marsh is certainly a viable candidate for the top order.

In addition, it is conceivable that the likes of Ed Cowan and Callum Ferguson—both of whom have already experienced international cricket—could force their way back in. The factor that will count against the latter pair, however, is their age, as they have only truly matured into quality batsmen since passing the age of 30.

If the Baggy Green were to go in another direction, they could select Tom Cooper of South Australia, who has made an impact domestically and with the Netherlands in the ICC World Twenty20.

He generally bats at No. 4 for his state side and so would be in a good position to play a role at three for Australia if needed.

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Finally, youngster Joe Burns has also looked mightily impressive in First Class cricket for Queensland, albeit in an opening role. He has already played a number of telling innings in this year’s Shield competition and, given that he is just 25, could be in a good spot to challenge.

For Watson, it means there are plenty of players capable of seizing his spot at three in the Australian batting order. If the experienced campaigner is to keep his position, he needs to answer his critics with a glut of runs and to push on from those good starts to hit big knocks.

It is something he must look to do immediately, or else his place and his international future could be in jeopardy.