How often has a swash buckling Travis Head century or a defiant Steve Smith hundred masked an early Australian batting collapse? Or how often have we seen Pat Cummins and his bowling unit run rampant to destroy an opposition batting line-up after Australia’s batters have failed again?
It was the same old narrative at Kensington Oval in the first Test. Although a convincing victory on paper, it was certainly far from that against a West Indies side that hasn’t won a Test series since defeating Zimbabwe 1-0 in 2022/23.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Australia found themselves reeling at 3-22. Although managing to recover to a somewhat respectable total of 180, we again had Head to thank who scored a 78-ball 59.
A combined effort from our bowlers saw the West Indies dismissed for 190, firmly putting Australia back in the match after being well behind on day 1.
Australia’s top order again failed miserably in the second innnings and found themselves in trouble at 4-65. Leading by only 55 runs with six wickets in hand, it appeared the West Indies were a serious chance to upset the Australian’s only weeks after falling to a surprise defeat against South Africa.
But it was the same old story. Scores of 60+ to Head, Beau Webster and Alex Carey meant the Aussies posted a score of 310 and were in a commanding position to win on a deteriorating pitch.
Needing 301 to win, it was almost an impossible task for the West Indies on a surface that began to offer some significantly variable bounce.
Josh Hazlewood’s relentless line and length, in combination with the variable bounce, proved damaging as he collected 5-43 and led the Australian’s to a comfortable 159 run victory.
There’s no denying us Australian cricket fans have enjoyed a golden era in Test cricket, but cracks are beginning to appear.
Australia’s batting ranks appear thin.
Marnus Labuschagne was touted as the next Smith, and although he still may play a significant role at Test level in the future, his batting average of 46.19 is slightly flattering given the incredible luck he experienced early in his career.
Marnus Labuschagne. (Photo by Buddhika Weerasinghe/Getty Images)
Cameron Green cannot bat at number three. He is suited to batting in the middle order and has played some important innings for Australia there. Although he has undeniable talent and offers nice assistance with the ball when fit, his batting average of 33 doesn’t jump off the page.
Australia have a serious conundrum at the top of the order. Usman Khawaja is now 38 and cannot go on for much longer. He has been an incredible servant for Australian cricket but there is no denying his form is declining. In our most recent home Test series against India, he scored just 184 runs at an average of 20.44.
Then there is Sam Konstas. There is young David Warner written all over this guy. At only 19 he has already divided the cricket world; a whirlwind 60 on Boxing Day and a heated exchange with Indian champion Virat Kohli set tongues wagging.
There is no doubt he is seriously talented and will be part of the Australian set up for a long time. But is his time now? Bowlers have found a weakness in targeting his pads, and this was again exposed recently by Shamar Joseph at Kensington Oval. His temperament and technique may need tinkering at Shield level before he’s a Test opener.
Smith and Head have been incredible servants for Australian cricket. But at 36 and 31 respectively, who are our next champion batters? Head certainly has a few years left at the top level, but there is no doubt Smith is close to the end.
There is some talent at Shield level, but there isn’t anyone banging the door down demanding selection like there once was. Mike Hussey averaged over 50 at first class level before he was given a baggy green at age 30. Brad Hodge averaged almost 50 at first-class level, but played only five Tests for an average of 55 before he was dropped.
Compare this to recent Australian Test batting debutants Nathan McSweeney, Konstas and Josh Inglis – the numbers paint a vastly different picture. The trio have first class averages of 35, 33, and 36 respectively. With the current team ageing, you can understand the selectors looking to youth – it makes sense for the future of Australian cricket.
But the question remains, would these players have been given an opportunity 20 years ago?
The bowling quartet of Mitch Starc, Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon have arguably been the best and most consistent bowling unit the country has seen. Similar to a number of the batsmen, each of them are closer to the end as well. When one of the quicks has gone down, Scott Boland has filled the void superbly – but he himself is 36.
So who’s next? Todd Murphy has proven he could be a viable replacement for Lyon and has had success in the sub continent. Granted many of his first class matches haven’t been played on spin friendly wickets, but his first class average of 33 doesn’t demand selection.
Australia have not seen a fast bowling debutant since Boland and Michael Neser in the 2021/22 Ashes series. And before that you have to go back to Jyhe Richardson in 2018/19 and Chad Sayers in 2017/18. This is obviously due to the success and longevity of our current bowling unit, but it is a slightly worrying prospect.
Lance Morris has been a part of a number of Test squads now but is yet to debut. However, he has not been a part of a test squad since late 2023 and has played only three ODIs – you have to question whether he is still in selectors plans.
Fergus O’Neill has averaged 20 with the ball across 33 first-class matches and, at 24, he should firmly be in the picture for a Test debut. Although lacking the raw aggression and pace Australian quicks have become renowned for, O’Neill is deadly accurate and can move the ball in the air and off the seam.
Jordan Buckingham is another interesting prospect averaging 29 at first-class level. Having been selected for Australia A on a number of occasions, he may be one the selectors look to aged just 24.
With ageing stars and unproven replacements, Australian Test cricket will soon come to a crossroads. The decisions made by selectors over the next 12-24 months will shape the Test side for years to come. We may still be winning, but unless new players begin to emerge, those victories could become few and far between.
>Cricket News
%20(3).jpeg)
0 Comments