Although Hopes was very impressive with the bat the other night and had a good tournament with the ball throughout, I'm still not sure what his long term role is going to be or if he even fits into the long term plans. I feel the batting is a little skinny with him at number 7, as his incompetence against spin and on slower wickets was shown up pretty badly in this tournament. And although he bowled well dont know if he is quite good enough to bat at 8 and play virtually as a specialist bowler...But I'd be willing to experiment with that in the short term.
Watson has strung a couple of games of cricket together and performed well, and I feel him and Jaques are the only real contenders to replace Gilchrist at top of the order, Hughes isnt even in the picture (although had he set the U19 world cup alight rather than flopping he may be a lot closer, not that selectors place much emphasis at all on that tournament, but it just showed he has a bit to learn).
I'd recall Watson to open as it gives you another solid bowling option with Hopes at 8.
Hauritz...Doherty...Heal...whoever you want really for the spinner but I probably wouldnt have them in my best XI unless its turning square.
And D Hussey has to be next batsman in line really, I really think he'd be a great asset to the middle order and bring a bit of spark plus his fielding and occasionally bowling would be helpful.
Hodge had his chance and wasted it, has since been surpassed by Hussey in the pecking order, and Katich hopefully never plays ODI's again (although I'd have him next in line for a test berth.)
M Hayden
S Watson
R Ponting
M Clarke
A Symonds
M Hussey
B Haddin
J Hopes
B Lee
M Johnson
N Bracken
---------------
D Hussey
A Seamer (other than Clark or Noffke who arent one day bowlers)
N Hauritz
If they take 15 then probably Jaques, Voges or at long odds a reserve keeper.
Watson and Hopes in the same team, ITSTL.
For me, I'd be happiest to leave Watson out - I don't see Hopes as a long-term option - until whichever time Hopes has to go. Obviously, right now Hopes has an unequivocal case for selection. In the meantime, put Hopes in the role you see for Watson - opening batsman and fill-in bowler.
Mind, I'm still far from convinced about Watson as a ODI bowler, though his batting has looked better in recent times. He was
absolutely awful for quite a while, and while he's
been a bit better of late, still far from outstanding.
With the bat he
was extremely ordinary down the order for ages of course, and despite his excellent World Cup (3 not-out innings at strike-rates well over 100) at seven, I'm still far from convinced about him in that position.
As an opener, though, he's certainly worth another go.