25 July 2009

Aussie openers

Personally if I was an Australian selector I wouldn't be considering dropping Hughes (who still averages over 50 in Tests) for two bad Tests - if he was good enough before the Tour then he's equally as good now. But the scavengers are circling so it's interesting to hear that Justin Langer hasn't exactly ruled out coming out of retirement in the same week as he went past Bradman's first class runs record for an Australian.

If Hughes was to be dropped the alternative seems to be to use Hussey or Shane Watson as an opener. As The Guardian points out, there really is only one choice there which is Hussey, agreeing with my post about Watson pre-tour. Watson averages under 20 so if Australia want to risk him to ensure they have a 5th bowling option, they need to bat him at 6 as I've Burbled before. The England bowlers would be licking their lips even more at the prospect of Watson opening the innings than the unconventional technique of Hughes.

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