Number 4

[The_Reaper]

Re: Michael Clarke is our worse no 4 test batsman in the history of Australian test cricket

He's our most in form batsman without doubt - but he isn't the class of the others.

Class batsmen when in form go on to make hundreds - and big hundreds.

Watson too easily gets out once he passes 50 - that's not the trait of a class batsman.

I do wonder though whether his bowling workload has an influence on his concentration wavering. He belongs at 5/6 where he can have a bigger rest fowling a day or so in the field.

I have a feeling that its mental exhaustment.

Watson is not an opener. He is a very good and in form batsmen and will therefore score runs from any position.

Opening the batting and facing the new ball may use up most of Watsons mental concentration and is why he gets out after making 50.

 

[aflcliche]

Re: Michael Clarke is our worse no 4 test batsman in the history of Australian test cricket

Realistically he's a good average player. Technique flaws such as playing away from the body, playing on the move, and not using the back foot enough. Very good player of spin though.
In an era of quality bowlers (such as the 90s) and more challenging pitches he'd be a low 40s avg player.

 

[Belnakor]

Re: Michael Clarke is our worse no 4 test batsman in the history of Australian test cricket

I'd back Wattos technique against anyone in the side at the moment. he was the only one who even looked like it versus the swinging ball on day one.