Just Supposing Ponting Isn't Fit For The Boxing Day Test?

If they are going to play Hughes, he has to open. That's the job he's been earmarked for, and trying to hide him in the order won't do his psychology any good. Even though I imagine a half-fit Ponting would more than likely play, I'd be interested to see if Hughes has gained anything during his exile.

Watson to bat at 3, that way there is minimal disruption to the batting line-up.

No. Hughes and Watson open and Katich goes down to 3

Katich bats at 3 for NSW, so I think he would be fine to bat there. Hughes is an opener, so he should definitely open with Watson for Australia.

1. Watson

2. Hughes

3. Katich

Clarke to be captain.

The kid Phil Hughes is the future No. 1 batsman for Australia and is a natural opener. So Watson, despite not a regular opener, had done well, should drop down the order where he fits in like a square peg in a square hole.

Phil needs to believe in himself and do hope the help provided by Sachin comes handy. Good luck to him.

Hughes back at opener as he was shafted in England. Watson back down the order and Katich as captain for this test. I would like to say that I think Clarke as captain long term may be the wrong way to go. With his chronic back problems and the amount of cricket played these days, he will not measure up

Hughes & Katich to open & Watson down the order.

Clarke is lucky to be in the team.

Katich captain

Im thinking Hughes and Watson opening and Katich to number 3?

Seems logical in my opinion. Katich can produce the goods at 3 im positive

Hughes would only be in the team as a temporary replacement for Ponting (who will play anyway, so this is all meaningless conjecture). As such, the batting order should not be destabilized further; Hughes hould bat at three, taking Ponting's place.

Hughes open with Simon Katich, Clarke thrid then Shane Watson... I feel Shane can be good to be number 4...

The team shouldnt conflict too plenty as he retired injury with only 23 and we nonetheless manged a severe score of 500+. As for the captaincy area, possibly quite however the aussies will leap lower back! Clarke has had adventure captaining and could optimistically do a solid activity.