5 Things We Learned From The First Ashes Test

By John Bills /

2. Shane Watson's Days As A Test Match Cricketer Are Numbered

For the longest time, Australia seem to have been desperate to find a spot for Shane Watson in their side. An undeniably talented player, a mixture of injuries and technical issues has stopped him reaching the heights he could have. He€™s been used as an opener, in the middle order and as the all rounder he is, but nothing seems to have sparked him. His offered next to nothing with the ball in Cardiff, and his two dismissals were bordering on the depressing for long-time cricket fans. Despite his talent, there is something about Watson that always leaves you feeling he is something of a walking wicket. He could be on two, 72 or 172, you always feel like he could be dismissed at any time. Not only this, but you can be pretty sure that this dismissal will come via leg before wicket. Predictably, both his dismissals in the test came via this method, and the notoriously stubborn Watson irresponsibly challenged both. With Mitchell Marsh waiting in the wings and in great form himself, Shane Watson€™s days as Australia€™s incumbent test all rounder could be over.