Who's going to be the fall guy to let Symonds in?

[Nostromo]

Now that it seems more or less certain that Andrew Symonds is fit to play against South Africa and beyond, Australia have the problem as to whom to leave out. Watson has proved to be a useful all rounder and although he needs to work on his bowling, that can only happen with match practice. The original substitute Hodge seems to batting too well to justify his omission. Clarke, while not yet comfortable in the Caribbean conditions, is visibly trying to improve; moreover, his left arm spin might come handy. Hayden has done just enough work to be considered and has the history of successful opening partnerships with Gilchrist. Therefore, the finger seems to be slowly but surely turning towards the man who only last month would have been the least likely to be asked to make way for Symonds - Mike Hussey. He has had his confidence dented by a succession of failures and while dropping a player is not the best medicine under the circumstances, Oz might not have a choice but to give him an 'enforced rest'.

So what do you think? I've polled this issue.

[Quagmire]

Hodge will be dropped even though it is not fair it has been happening through he whole cricket career.

[Nostromo]

It certainly does not seem fair to drop Hodge. Not only did he score a century, he seemed more comfortable than anyone else on the slowish wicket - silmilar to the one Oz have to play SA next. I know that Hussey is talented, but he is going through a lean patch and so why not rest him for the South Africa game?

[Rachael]

Watson should miss out: Symonds offers more with the bat AND more with the ball... to say nothing of more in the field!

[Nostromo]

Originally Posted by Rachael

Watson should miss out: Symonds offers more with the bat AND more with the ball... to say nothing of more in the field!

Seems logical, but while Watson has not yet set pulses racing, he has not done that badly either. He is 7 years younger than Symonds and if Oz are looking for a genuine all-rounder, Watson fits the bill on paper at least. Unless he is given chances in big matches, they cannot gauge his career properly. IMO, Hussey should miss the SA game.

[Quagmire]

Well Hodge has been quite good averaging 52 since coming back into the ODI side and is suited to the WI pitches.

Hodges scores since being reintroduced into the ODI side.


World Cup
Group A 2nd Match - 123 off 89
Group A 1st Match - 29 off 28
2nd Warm Up Match - 14 off 33
1st Warm Up Match - 17

CB Series
2nd Final - 49 off 46
1st Final - 5 off 10
11th Match - 99* off 86
10th Match - 1 off 6

Chappell-Hadlee Series
3rd ODI - 12 off 10
2nd ODI - 97* off 86
1st ODI - 22 off 49

[Nostromo]

Another reason why it could be risky dropping Watson for the SA game is that Oz are not yet certain about Symonds' bowling. Sure, he has been bowling at the nets, but that is a far cry from 10 competitive overs on a big match against a strong team. The SA game would be the first for Symonds after returning from injury and no one can predict how it can pan out. As a doctor, I know that tendon injuries can be trickier than minor fractures during rehab and Oz cannot take the chance of Symonds being unable to continue bowling. So Watson has to be around and one of the specialist batsmen has to make way for Symonds. On current form, it has to be Hussey.

[greg]

Originally Posted by Quagmire

Hodge will be dropped even though it is not fair it has been happening through he whole cricket career.

I agree.He is the easy target for some reason.

[Beny]

I hate it when we select players based solely on 'their potential'... Watson has to be the most overated cricketer in the world at the momment. Let symonds take his place, and then when Symonds is past it let somebody else take over.

[Quagmire]

I don't like Watson at all he started off as a bowling allrounder but since his back injuries he has turned himself into a batting allrounder but he is no good unless he is opening the batting he can not improvise his shots at the end of the innings he is too text book.