Better technique than Phil Hughes. EDIT: I see I'm not the only one to notice.
I think I'd go with Watson for the 1st test ahead of Cowan. On form he doesn't deserve it and I think he's been cruising and allowed Clarke's good form to cover his poor form. He even got a bit of attitude that led him to renounce bowling for a while too.
However with the thrashing in India critics have noticed his bad form and suspect his attitude on the basis of homeworkgate. So I think Watson is now motivated to prove something. He even wants to bowl again. Misses it apparently.
Because I'd like us to bat Wade at 7 we might need someone who can bowl some effective overs when the fast men need a rest. Watson is that man and if he can recapture some of his pre vc form he's better than Cowan imo. So my 1st test XI would be Watson, Warner, Hughes, Usman, Clarke, Smith, Wade, Starc, Pattinson, Siddle, Lyon. I'll keep the option of Harris for Starc.
Nah, dropping our second best bat from the last tour for Usman and to give us an out of form opener to go with out current hit-and-miss one isn't a good idea IMO.
Khawaja does not have the technique for Test cricket in England. Everyone thinks his forward defense is pretty therefore he has a good technique, but he can't rotate the strike if you put it just outside off. He's exactly the same as Shane Watson in that respect, but at least Twatto can hit the odd straight drive for four. Khawaja just nicks off.
In a Shield game Copeland just kept the ball on that fourth stump line and Khawaja couldn't score, building pressure on himself and down the other end.
Not to mention sending Watson back to opening and bowling will mean he lasts 2 Tests, and in England a settled opening pairing is crucial IMO. Warner and Cowan have to be persisted with up there. The selectors have talked about having a stable opening partnership for the Ashes for so long now that it would be ridiculous to change it now, especially since Cowan performed last series.
Cowan, Warner, Hughes, Watson (ugh), Clarke, Smith, Wade (ugh x2), Siddle, Harris, Pattinson, Lyon as my first XI. Watson out for anyone bar Khawaja would make me happy, as well.
Also, Wade will struggle big time with the gloves in England. It is not an easy place to wicketkeep at all.