Australia’s selectors are re-evaluating their fast bowling strategy following the departure of allrounder Cameron Green. Last summer, the team fielded an unchanged pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood throughout nine Tests, a feat considered an “outlier” due to the relatively easy conditions they faced at home and in New Zealand. With only three innings requiring over 78 overs, maintaining freshness was achievable.
The upcoming five-match series versus India, however, poses a vastly different challenge. The Indian batting line-up is formidable, and there are concerns that the seasoned trio may struggle to replicate their previous performances over a more demanding summer schedule. Despite recent injuries to fringe bowlers, including uncapped Lance Morris, Scott Boland and Michael Neser are set to bolster the pace attack after recovering from off-season ailments.
George Bailey, chair of selectors, noted the importance of being prepared for potential adjustments throughout the series, especially with Green sidelined for the entire summer due to a stress fracture. The team may look to Mitchell Marsh to partly fill Green's role, although he has limited bowling experience since his hamstring injury. Selectors might also consider Aaron Hardie or Beau Webster as potential replacements.
As Australia gears up for this intense series, they are carefully managing the workloads of their fast bowlers, ensuring they are primed for what lies ahead against a resilient Indian side.