Ashes 2015: allrounders Shane Watson and Mitchell Marsh fail to impress in tour game

AUSTRALIA has an abundance of talent in their bowling ranks and enough quality batters but there is a glaring weakness that could cost them dearly in the Ashes.

KINGSTON, JAMAICA - JUNE 14: Shane Watson of Australia looks on after day four of the Second Test match between Australia and the West Indies at Sabina Park on June 14, 2015 in Kingston, Jamaica. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

THE missing piece in Australia’s Ashes puzzle has been glaringly exposed, with allrounders Shane Watson and Mitchell Marsh both failing to impress in the opening tour game against Kent.

In all other areas, selectors have an embarrassment of riches from which to choose for the first Test against England.

One of the best fast bowlers in the world will have to miss out in Cardiff because four doesn’t fit into three, and Chris Rogers or Shaun Marsh to open isn’t a bad dilemma to have.

Pivotal batsman Steve Smith continued his phenomenal form with another flawless unbeaten 111 on day two of the four-day outing in Canterbury and the foundations of Michael Clarke and Dave Warner make for an imposing batting line-up.

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But for a side so devoted to always picking an all-rounder, neither Watson or Marsh are screaming ‘pick me’ as Australia looks to end its 14-year Ashes drought on UK soil.

The unthinkable scenario of not playing an all-rounder at all may even at the very least warrant discussion at the next selection meeting.

For Watson, it’s the same old story.

Heading into his third Ashes tour, the polarising 34-year-old is still living life perennially on the edge.

His offerings with bat and ball in Test cricket of late have been mediocre, yet he may still survive.

During the World Cup, selectors showed the end of Watson’s international career may not be far away — when they dropped him for a match against Afghanistan.

Watson responded brilliantly, starring for Australia on several occasions in their run to final glory at the MCG.

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But presented with a golden opportunity to cement his Test place ahead of a landmark Ashes series, Watson has failed to harness his World Cup momentum.

Watson fell for 21 against Kent — albeit to an outstanding catch at backward point — but he would have been nervous as he sat back in the dressing room having handed all-rounder Marsh a chance to make a statement.

Marsh was bowled for 30 though soon after and selectors were left none the wiser on who should bat at No. 6 and bowl this Ashes series.

The whole episode of dumping and recalling Watson during the World Cup reflected the hesitation and uncertainty surrounding his place in the team.

Watson’s experience, ability and potential versus his actual output is at times difficult to reconcile.

Selectors are certain the outstanding Marsh is the future. But the problem is he’s yet to convince them he’s a better option than Watson at this stage.

In the West Indies, Watson bowled just 16 overs across two Test matches.

The precious few times he is thrown the ball begs the question whether Australia need an all-rounder at all, particularly given the almighty strength of the pace bowling arsenal.

Leaving out the all-rounder would allow selectors to fit the hard-nosed Rogers and the in-form Shaun Marsh in the same XI.

However, Australia loves the balance that an all-rounder provides — even if it’s often theory rather than reality with Watson.

It means the eternal Watson conundrum is set to roll on for another Ashes.

Smith though was outstanding.

The No. 1 batsman in world cricket hammered 13 fours and one six in his 153-ball hundred.

As a 17-year-old, Smith played league cricket in Kent, and it again looked like a second home.

Originally published as Ashes 2015: allrounders Shane Watson and Mitchell Marsh fail to impress in tour game