Published: Oct 31, 2016, 03:32 PM (IST)
Edited: Oct 31, 2016, 03:32 PM (IST)
After a disheartening run in the One-Day International (ODI) in South Africa, where they were whitewashed in a five-match bilateral series, Australia will seek revival of fortunes in the Test series Down Under. The three-match series is undoubtedly one of the most looked for cricketing actions of the season. Australia were humiliated in the five-match ODI series recently as the Proteas played some good cricket and handed Australia their first-ever whitewash in a bilateral ODI series. One can expect Australia to come out hard and make the most of home conditions to seek revenge. They have had a torrid time in whites as well as their most recent memory rekindles of the three-match whitewash against Sri Lanka in their own den. Full Cricket Scorecard: Australia vs South Africa 1st Test at Perth
Over the years, Australia have been one of the most dominant sides in world cricket but the current calendar year have yielded fruitless results. It may come as a surprise too many but Australia have registered three whitewashes in all three formats in the current year. At first, India clean swept them Down Under in a three-match Twenty20 International (T20I) series. Later, Sri Lanka tested Australia’s Achilles Heels with some wily spin and made them bite the dust after which South Africa wrecked havoc in a format, which they have dominated five times at world stage.
With the Test series just around the corner, we present you five such names from the Australian dugout who will hold the key for their success and will be the players to watch out for in the series.
Steven Smith: Smith’s evolution into a batsman has been irresistible, he has been the spine of their batting attack and garnered runs on a regular basis. He is also a part of the Fab 4 and is widely reckoned for his effective technique and ability to score big runs. He got a ton in the taxing Sri Lankan conditions as well. Smith has had a torrid time as a skipper on the field and a series at home is what he perhaps will desire the most at the moment. This would be an ideal podium to seek revitalization of destiny. Smith has a magnificent record at home and he would need to get the big runs for his team to take on the big guns from South Africa.
Usman Khawaja: Khawaja without a doubt is one of the most promising batsmen in the Australian circuit and has done extremely well in the shorter formats. He has done well in his sporadic appearances for the side and will look to cement his spot in the side. An aggressive left-handed Australian batsman, Khawaja can garner some quick runs at the top and if given an opportunity, he will certainly look to grab it with both the hands. He has also been in a decent form for Queensland and got runs with the bat.
Shaun Marsh: Marsh’s form for Western Australia in the domestic circuit has been good and did well in Sri Lanka as well. He is an impactful top-order batsman and if he manages to get runs at the top, Australia will surely benefit from it. With just 18 tests under his belt, Marsh will love to make his chances count and get some quick runs Down Under. Lately, Australian pitches have been assisting the batsmen a lot, which will certainly make the presence of players like pivotal for their side.
David Warner: Warner is inarguably one of the most intimidating batsmen in contemporary cricket. His prowess at the top across formats is well-known and can put the opposition under the pump with his maverick style of play. Warner’s willow has not yielded runs in whites as he wasn’t impactful enough in the Test series against New Zealand as well as Sri Lanka. With the current series being at home and Warner being in splendid form, it would be the right time for him to peak and get some huge runs. Warner can steer his side to a dominating position if he gets going. He has the tendency to clear the infield and backs his natural instincts. Out of all the cricketers, Warner is certainly the man to watch out for. On the contrary, he was the shining light for Australia in the ODI series against South Africa. He heaped gigantic runs and also had couple of centuries to his name in the series.
Mitchell Starc: Watching Mitchell Starc put in the hard yards is no less than a fantasy and he was outstanding in the Test series against Sri Lanka. On a surface which was assisting the spinners, Starc steamed in and bowled tight lines to scalp 24 wickets in three games. He had immense control over his line and length and was sensible in his approach. He knew exactly what length had to be bowled and made utmost use of the extra zip, which he generates. The lanky left-arm pacer is exceptional against the tail-enders with his barrage of menacing Yorkers. Starc is without a doubt one of the best in the business; he could make the difference and turn the game on its head within a session. He will be leading the pace attack and has to shoulder a major responsibility, which he is well capable of. With the home conditions standing in his favour, one can expect him to come out in flying colours against the Proteas.
(Suraj Choudhari is a reporter with Criclife and CricketCountry. He is an avid follower of the game, and plays the sport at club level. He has a radical understanding about the subtle nuances and intricacies of cricket, and tries to express it through paper and pen.)
