Shane Watson is not too far away from being dropped out of the playing XI of the Australian Cricket team.
The pressure is starting to mount on the Queenslander now with all the players in the squad almost getting fit.
There are three pace bowling all rounders in the Australian squad for the World Cup i.e. Watson, Mitchell Marsh and James Faulkner.
If all three of them are available for selection, it’s very much possible that Marsh and Faulkner get the nod ahead of Watson because of their current form.
Currently, Faulkner is injured and thus, Watson might get to play another game this Saturday versus the Bangladeshi team. But, he will have to get some runs to his name there.
However, it’s not certain as of now. For the Bangladesh game, there might be a toss-up between Watson and George Bailey for who is going to be replaced by the captain Michael Clarke.
Clarke has to come into the XI anyhow as he is fully fit now.
Given the amount of runs Steven Smith has plundered off late, he can’t be left out by the selectors. So, it’s either Watson or Bailey who will have to miss out.
Watson’s chances of playing are better than Bailey because he is a top order batsman and slightly more aggressive than his Tasmanian team mate.
Bailey is more of a finisher and the Kangaroos have already got quite a few finishers in the form of Maxwell, Marsh and Haddin.
If Watson flourishes at 3, he can be a match winner. So, he is probably in line for one more opportunity.
Of course, it’s Rod Marsh, the chairman of selectors, who will make the final call, but, by the looks of it, Watson would be there in the XI.
That Bangladesh game is going to be played on Watson’s home ground i.e. Gabbatoire.