Aw no, Watt0's retired (from Tests)

[fredfertang]

After deciding to retire, he asked his wife to review the decision

Should've asked Joel Wilson imo

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

But did well for a while and around the supertest time, he looked a real world class player.

The supertest was his second test match I think, you're way off the mark.

 

[TheJediBrah]

Always thought Aussie were beatable when they had someone as poor as Watson in their side. I suppose with their recent retirements they'll just about be a new side in the Smith Era. That's Harris, Clarke, Rogers and Watson all gone recently.

Also Haddin. Johnson won't be around for long either.

 

[kiwiviktor81]

You're talking about recently, right?

One fears people will forget he was actually really world class for a while there. But it's been a bit since then, too.

Reasonably recently. Not when we were crap obviously.

 

[CaptainGrumpy]

Reasonably recently. Not when we were crap obviously.

Kiwivik, what are the bookies making of this? Is Aussie's price climbing? Are NZ favourites for the test series at years' end?

 

[G.I.Joe]

 

[kiwiviktor81]

Kiwivik, what are the bookies making of this? Is Aussie's price climbing? Are NZ favourites for the test series at years' end?

Beats me. Just had a look on BetFair but couldn't find the series. I plan to gamble heavily on the series as I expect the markets will have Aussie as moderate favourites and that we'll beat them.

I noticed with the recent Ashes series Aussie were favourites for all but the 5th match (which they won, ironically).

I say moderate favourites because by reputation they should be heavy favourites but since we just looked better in England than they did that will come down slightly. Also with so many recent retirements there will be considerable uncertainty over how strong they will be. However, we can be certain (or near certain) that the Black Caps will be strong. Should be interesting.

Regarding uncertainty - we don't know how good Neville is, we don't know how good the Marshes are, we don't know how good Rogers' replacement will be, we don't know who will bat 5, Starc is unproven, Hazlewood unproven, Johnson is hit and miss, and even Steve Smith could be found out in this series. The only certainties appear to be that Warner will be excellent and Lyon mediocre.

 

[dontcloseyoureyes]

rofl

 

[flibbertyjibber]

Also Haddin. Johnson won't be around for long either.

Be surprised if Haddin played again unless it was a farewell home test.

Johnson will be phased out I reckon as Starc is younger and better and you can't really have both in the same side.

 

[marc71178]

17 posts before NZ get a mention, you're slipping.

 

[Spark]

Yes, I too would bank on the bloke averaging over 55 having scored runs literally everywhere he's played suddenly being "found out" on home pitches.

 

[adub]

When Hussey retired he anointed Lyon as the leader of the victory song.

Who will Watto anoint as the designated LB reviewer?

 

[NZTailender]

Yes, I too would bank on the bloke averaging over 55 having scored runs literally everywhere he's played suddenly being "found out" on home pitches.

Yes but he's yet to play a Test against the worlds premier and best new ball attack.

 

[fredfertang]

Yes but he's yet to play a Test against the worlds premier and best new ball attack.

Dare I ask?

 

[adub]

Yes but he's yet to play a Test against the worlds premier and best new ball attack.

yeah he has

3 tests 269 runs at 67.25

He'll slap your numpties around like net bowlers.

 

[kiwiviktor81]

Nah, I bank on McHesson to have done the analysis. I agree with Hurricane - Smith is a gimmick batsman.

 

[Furball]

Back on topic, Watson is undoubtedly the worst batsman to have played as many Tests as he did.

 

[TheJammyTurtle]

Think his underachieving test career took the gloss off his limited overs career,because he is an extremely good limited overs player,and still is as shown by that WC knock against Pakistan and some of his performances in the IPL this year.Also think he's one of the top 3 all rounders in t20 history (at the very least)

 

[kiwiviktor81]

Probably should have 5 runs knocked off his average for the fact that the loss of his wicket inevitably also meant the loss of a review.

 

[cnerd123]

17 posts before NZ get a mention, you're slipping.

Showing 25th post for me; guessing you have a few people blocked.

Also how apt is it that he finished his career on 59 tests? Could never really kick on after a good start.