T
Train Without a Station
Guest
TWAS I'm much more optimistic about both of Marsh and Faulkner. Even though MM has only two centuries, he's still just a boy compared with Watto, and Faulkner has only recently seemed to concentrate a bit more on his batting. I wouldn't be at all concerned if either was brought into the team in the near future in place of Watto who is definitely on the wane imo. He has had periods where he has been an absolute standout, but I don't see that sort of form continuing much longer.
BR just to follow your optimism, I've looked into where Watson was at Marsh's age. I've disregarded Faulkner because he's older and focused on bowling for much longer.
Anyway, Watson was Marsh's age in 2005. He made his test debut in 2005 and was used as a batting at 8 bowling all-rounder at this time.
In the 04/05 Shield Season he batted 15 times for an average of 42, 1 century and 3 half centuries.
In the 03/04 Shield Season he batted 19 times for an average of 54, 4 centuries and 3 half centuries.
In the 02/03 Shield Season he batted 8 times for an average of 27 and 2 half centuries.
In the 01/02 Shield Season he batted 11 times for an average of 29 and 3 half centuries.
By 23 Watson had compiled 5 centuries and 11 half centuries with an FC average of around 40. At that time he was being used at test level as a bowling all-rounder, batting lower in the order than Marsh.
At the same point Marsh has 2 centuries, 12 half centuries and an average of 29.
Marsh will need to do some significantly development in the next 2-3 years to be a solid batting option I think.