Australia’s Test batting has been on the slide since midway through the Ashes, and the rejig that followed David Warner’s retirement has not worked
Yes, the pitches have been of the sporting variety. The bowling, too, from Shamar Joseph and Matt Henry in particular, has been top class. And it is the end of an intense 18 months of cricket for Australia in which the team has been largely successful.
The four Tests after Warner’s retirement were billed as the right sample size to take a look at a configuration with Steve Smith’s move to opening as the most significant change. Warner and Khawaja had an easy batting chemistry, their contrasting styles married to a decades-old friendship. Smith and Khawaja have made a lot of runs together in the past, but as openers they are yet to find that level of affinity.Cameron Green’s recall to bat at number four has, so far, been the only real win. And even he was swept away in the face of a pair of fiery spells from Henry and the speedy Black Caps debutant Ben Sears.
Whether Joseph or Henry, meanwhile, the fast bowlers whirring in at Australia have sniffed a hint of vulnerability and used the seaming ball to tremendous effect. Pakistan’s seamers, too, had done this, after England’s Chris Woakes started the trend in the second half of the winter Ashes series.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New Zealand v Australia: second Test, day twoOver-by-over report: Australia are building a lead at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on day two of the second trans-Tasman Test. Join our writers for updates
Read more »
Josh Hazlewood blitz puts Australia in box seat of second Test against New ZealandAustralia raced through New Zealand with the ball and offered dogged resistance with the bat at Hagley Oval
Read more »
Pat Cummins strikes late but New Zealand claw back ascendancy in seesawing second TestMarnus Labuschagne scored 90 and Kiwi quick Matt Henry took 7-67 as New Zealand fought back to finish day two on 134-2 and leading Australia by 40 runs
Read more »
Second Test day three LIVE: New Zealand fight hard for second innings leadNew Zealand will start day three with eight wickets in the bank and a 40-run lead in the second Test. Follow along the live action from Christchurch.
Read more »
Second Test day three LIVE: New Zealand fight hard for second innings leadNew Zealand will start day three with eight wickets in the bank and a 40-run lead in the second Test. Follow along the live action from Christchurch.
Read more »
New Zealand v Australia: second Test, day threeOver-by-over report: New Zealand have clawed to a 40-run lead and are 134-2 starting Day 3 of the second Test in Christchurch. Join our writers for updates
Read more »