Watson to open with Hayden in the final?

[Nostromo]

One problem that Australia have at the moment - even though it has not made the slightest difference in the results so far - is Gilchrist's lack of form with the bat. It would be nice to see Gilly go out of his final World Cup game with one last hurrah. He seems to be struggling with the extra bounce and swing early in the innings and so why not let him come at No:7 as he does in Tests? Watson is in good form with the bat and has already shown that he can be an effective opener. So, why not let him open with Hayden and send Gilchrist at No:7, a position with which he is familiar anyway? Moreover, the right-left combination at the start if Watson is used might upset Vaas' rhythm a bit and Gilchrist down the order might exploit the lack of swing. I don't think that the lower bounce later will bother Gilchrist that much. IMO, it is worth a try.

[Younis Khan #1]

I agree it is definatly worth a try, but not in the final of a WC when the team is settled. I think each individual understands their respective roles well, therefore i would be reluctant to disturb that. I know Gilchrist only averages 33 or so in this tournament but if he can get a good 30 or 40, (against which i would not bet), hayden won't be too far behind so that will offer a great start with which Ponting can work his magic at number 3.

What i find amazing is that Watson hasn't been dismissed once this tournament. I think that is right, anyway?

[Quagmire]

Why change what is already working? Yes Gilchrist has not been in top form compared to the rest of the side but Australia are still annihilating sides so I would not change anything. This small change could effect the other top order players confidence because Gilchrist usually gets Australia off to a fast confident start even if Gilchrist only makes 30 odd.

Most Runs (Australia)
Hayden - 621 runs at 77.62 - Sr 104.02
Ponting - 502 runs at 71.71 - Sr 95.98
Clarke - 428 runs at 85.60 - Sr 94.48
Gilchrist - 304 runs at 33.77 - Sr 91.56
Symonds - 166 runs at 55.33 - Sr 97.07
Hodge - 152 runs at 76.00 - Sr 129.91
Watson - 142 runs at (has not gone out) - Sr 173.17
Hussey - 87 runs at 17.40 - Sr 75.00
Hogg - 45 runs at (has not gone out) - Sr 214.28

Just look at Australia's totals during the World Cup.

1. Vs Scotland 334/6
2. Vs Netherlands 358/5
3. Vs South Africa 377/6
4. Vs West Indies 322/6
5. Vs Bangladesh 106/0 (22 over match) Batting second
6. Vs England 248/3 - Batting second
7. Vs Ireland 92/1 - Batting second
8. Vs Sri Lanka 232/3 - Batting second
9. Vs New Zealand 348/6
10. Vs South Africa 153/3 Batting second

Everytime that Australia has batted first they have scored over 300, there lowest score batting first was 322/6 against the West Indies. So why change a thing before the final because thats what they did before the CB finals they brought in Watson and Hogg who had not played any cricket before hand.

[acker]

I'll take a foot in both camps with this one

If Australia bat first prior to Gilly spending 3 and a half hours squating in the keeping position Gilly should open.
If Australia bat second after spending 3 and a half hours squating in the keeping position Gilly should bat 6 or 7

[Younis Khan #1]

Originally Posted by acker

I'll take a foot in both camps with this one

If Australia bat first prior to Gilly spending 3 and a half hours squating in the keeping position Gilly should open.
If Australia bat second after spending 3 and a half hours squating in the keeping position Gilly should bat 6 or 7

What difference would it make?

[acker]

Originally Posted by Younis Khan #1

What difference would it make?

A fresh Gilly who has'nt kept wicket for 300 balls in the day allready makes a better fist of batting than a tired Gilly who comes out 40 minutes after keeping for 300 balls.

[Younis Khan #1]

I can see the logic in that, but do really think you can alter your batting card to such an extent depending on who fields first?

I say just keep the settled team order that brought the team to it's enviable position. Gilchrist is sure to fire sooner rather than later; a player of his ability always does.

[acker]

I dont think a final is the time to muck around with this change. If it was on it would have been tried at the start of the super eights.

But I think after the World Cup if Gilly is going to continue in the one day team he is going to have to bat down the order but I dont think Watson is the man I would want to open for simular reasons if we bat second he's just come off bowling possibly at the death.

Allthough after the final Hayden and Gilly may both decide to hang up thier boots and we may be discussing the Jaques and Voges opening combo.

[*Jonty*]

Originally Posted by acker

I'll take a foot in both camps with this one

If Australia bat first prior to Gilly spending 3 and a half hours squating in the keeping position Gilly should open.
If Australia bat second after spending 3 and a half hours squating in the keeping position Gilly should bat 6 or 7

I had never thought of the situation in that light,it sounds like a sensible suggestion to me.

[pie_chucker]

If Gilchrist plays I'd always want him to open. He's explosive and will never die wondering and if he comes off like he has today, your innings is brilliantly set up.

IMO none of the other Aussie could have batted like that today - he's even made Hayden look like a plodder .