FaaipDeOiad
Hall of Fame Member
I'm a big Watson fan, but I would probably lean slightly towards Marsh. The problem with picking Marsh for me is that, as has already been mentioned, Watson's main role as a bowler is being economical and being an occasional threat when it swings. He's very good at that, whatever else you think of him, he's basically never someone who gives away runs and he is a reasonably threatening bowler when it's swinging. Marsh is more likely to get someone out but he's also more likely to bowl a 4 over spell where he goes at a run a ball when Watson would usually produce something tight.
Test cricket is much more than just averages and there have been quite a few times in the last few years (when Watson has clearly been in decline as a bowler) where his tight bowling was very useful, like in the last Ashes in England for example. That's what you're potentially giving up by picking Marsh, what you get instead is a selection that looks towards the future, a more threatening bowler (as opposed to a containment option) and probably a similar level of batting output all things considered.
Either way I think a 5th bowling option is essential given Harris being unfit and Starc and Johnson not always the most reliable bowlers, so it's one or the other. You're just choosing between Watson's reliability with the ball and Marsh's potential. If Watson's not 100% fit and bowling decently in the Essex game I'd pick Marsh, otherwise it's a tricky call I think.
Test cricket is much more than just averages and there have been quite a few times in the last few years (when Watson has clearly been in decline as a bowler) where his tight bowling was very useful, like in the last Ashes in England for example. That's what you're potentially giving up by picking Marsh, what you get instead is a selection that looks towards the future, a more threatening bowler (as opposed to a containment option) and probably a similar level of batting output all things considered.
Either way I think a 5th bowling option is essential given Harris being unfit and Starc and Johnson not always the most reliable bowlers, so it's one or the other. You're just choosing between Watson's reliability with the ball and Marsh's potential. If Watson's not 100% fit and bowling decently in the Essex game I'd pick Marsh, otherwise it's a tricky call I think.
