Just a few averages of recent batsman for the Ashes:
MEK Hussey 67.12
SR Waugh 58.75
BJ Haddin 53.55
SR Watson 53.12 (HS of 63 though, scored a 50 almost every innings of his 5 matches
)
MJ Clarke 52.62
JL Langer 50.24
ME Waugh 50.09
RT Ponting 46.78 (has averaged mid 40s most of his career)
ML Hayden 45.65
AC Gilchrist 45.12
MJ Slater 45.10
MA Taylor 42.30
MJ North 41.60
DR Martyn 37.00
SM Katich 36.50 (2009-beyond)
IA Healy 30.95
Interesting things of note:
- North has a similar performances to Martyn in Ashes series
- Haddin has no trouble keeping Gilly's legacy
- Clarke/Hussey middle order perform similar to S.Waugh/M.Waugh
- Katich has a surprisingly poor record and is definitely the weak link compared with the other 2 opening partnerships shown above
So contrary to popular opinion, our middle is not really the problem but it's Katich?
