Marcus North (Experience, leadership, extra spin option, runs at test level)
Cameron White (Experience, leadership, extra spin option)
Phil Hughes (Youth, runs at test level)
Chris Lynn (Youth)
Nic Maddinson (Youth)
TBH you've been very harsh on North. The bloke managed 5 hundreds and converted 25% of his innings to a 50 or 100 (Ponting is around 36% for example).
His test average of 35 wouldn't be terrible in the current line up and is in fact superior to Hughes.
Anyway TBH, based on who they've picked, moving Watson anywhere would be more insane then their selections of Doolan and Marsh. North for example would have been an option that would allow it. Top order player, has the experience that Bailey was picked for despite lack of form, actually has form.
I did a bit of in depth research on our top batsmen last week and I agree, that is one area where North lacks compared to other candidates. When you consider his 50/100 conversion rate, and his average still being 35, it's obviously just looking at that, that when he doesn't get at least a 50, he gets fuck all.
So yes with him, you do miss those handy 20/30s yes. But I just think with a bloke who averages 35 in tests, has 5 hundreds, converts a quarter of his innings when even Ponting only converts 36%, and is now in career best form, averaging close to 100 this season, he is at least worth a look.
Maybe Marsh is seen as added depth in the opening position as well as anywhere in the middle order, but Hughes offers the same IMO. Selectors have got this one completely wrong.
If he was a genuine 3 he would have scored more than 7 FC centuries in his career.
If he was a genuine 3, he'd have the mental strength to play there though.