Watson to open with Hayden in the final?

[acker]

Yep a fresh Gilly before keeping what a difference.

[Younis Khan #1]

Originally Posted by acker

Yep a fresh Gilly before keeping what a difference.

I don't really think that made much of a difference at all.

[*Jonty*]

Originally Posted by 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.

I think it is a mighty good job that Gilly was left in as opener,hyperthetically,if Watson had opened, how would gilly have reacted had Australia lost,it would obviously have been a closer game and we could have ended up with gilly retireing,which would have been tragic to Australia,..as it has gone, he is very happy(so are all Aussies) and I understand he and Hayden will play on for another 2 years,(hope this means 2009 ashes) and this will give the poms something to winge about (again).

[acker]

Originally Posted by Younis Khan #1

I don't really think that made much of a difference at all.

I think it made a 149 run difference, I cant be bothered but if someone wants to do do the stats search on Gilly opening in the second dig compared to Gilly opening in the first dig I would appreciate it.

[Milo]

He actually averages 39 batting second and 32 batting first. Seeing that he's opened in 95% of his matches, it shows he actually performs better after he's been in the field.

[acker]

Originally Posted by Milo

He actually averages 39 batting second and 32 batting first. Seeing that he's opened in 95% of his matches, it shows he actually performs better after he's been in the field.

Thanks Milo that does surprise me.