Just posted this on the SMH boards, though it probably won't get up there, as my last comment didn't. An interesting analysis of Watson and Flintoff, though. It was a comparison of Flintoff and Watson at the same stage (3 test matches, 57 ODIs)
Flintoff after 3 tests:
91 runs @ 18.2, 1 wicket @ 157.00
Watson after 3 tests:
81 runs @ 20.24, 2 wickets @ 61.5
Flintoff after 57 ODIs:
1173 runs @ 26.06, 52 wickets @ 27.38
Watson after 57 ODIs:
856 runs @ 30.57, 58 wickets @ 32.72
As you can see, there's no big difference between their stats. In tests, Watson has the upper hand (not that either are special, I'll give you that, but Watson has vastly superior first class stats, especially in terms of batting).
In one dayers, again no big difference. Watson has the better batting average (less runs, but when you're in the Aussie side you're not going to bat as much as an English player), while Flintoff has the better bowling average, although Watson has more wickets .
I'm not saying Watson's as good as Flintoff, or that he's going to be, cause I don't know. But at the early stage of his career, Flintoff was pretty average as well. The fact is, Watson has buckets of potential to develop into, at the very worst, a top 6 batsman for Australia in tests. He's not going to be a genuine allrounder, but if his bowling keeps improving, he'll be able to offer us with a viable 5th bowling option, while keeping his spot with his batting alone. I mean, the bloke averages just under 50 in first class cricket, and just over 30 with the ball.
CBF changing it much, cause I'm lazy.