Buchanan & Ponting seem to be discussing the same problem. With no true all rounder immediatly available, whom to replace Watson with - a batsman or a bowler. Hopes might be on standby, but he has to arrive and get used to the local conditions and so not an option for the next 2 matches. So this leaves them with choosing Hodge to strengthen the batting or Johnson for the bowling.

I think that the latter option is the more risky one; it will have Hogg coming into bat at No:7 to be followed by 4 bowlers none of whom can be relied on to even stick around in support, let alone score some runs. Moreover, Johnson has not yet bowled in anger in this World Cup and his performance with the ball for the pass few months has been unimpressive, to say the least.

On the other hand, bringing Hodge as an additional batsman has possibilities. For a start, it will further strengthen the already strong batting - never a bad thing. As for bowling, McGrath, Bracken, Hogg and Clarke/Tait will easily cover 4 out of 5 bowling positions; Symonds should be able to do most, if not all, of the fifth bowler's work and if he needs help there is Michael Clarke's left arm spin or even Ponting himself with those medium pacers.

Hodge has played well in the Caribbean in the few chances given to him and feel that Oz should go in that direction. Going with an elongated tail against England could turn out to be mistake that Oz regret later. England's 'weakness' as currently perceived is in their batting and not bowling and so that is another reason to face them with a strong batting side.