With the Aussies looking more than likely to regain the number one Test spot in Christchurch, we are starting to see the future of Australian Test cricket taking shape.
After a disastrous Ashes campaign back in the UK last year, it was certainly worrying times for something the Australians have been so dominant at for so long.
The retirements of key members such as Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Mitchell Johnson, Chris Rogers and Shane Watson was the end of an era for Aussie Test cricket.
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Ideally, you don’t want to be losing such a vast amount of key players in a similar time frame. But with many of them getting towards the end of their playing days it was the right decision for not only them, but Australian cricket.
It was never a question if Australia had the talent in the Sheffield Shield to produce Test cricketers, it would be more on the lines of would they hit the ground running straight away?
Patience was required if people wanted to see Australia back at number one, but few expected the side to be on the brink of reclaiming that spot at the end of the Christchurch Test match.
A successful summer in Australia against the Black Caps and the West Indies gave the cricketing public an insight into how the selectors were going to set up come the tour to New Zealand in February.
Having watched this side gel for a few months now, people have a reason to be excited about the future. When you look down the list from one to eleven you don’t see a weak link. They all offer something that can be the difference on game day.
Trying to find a partner for David Warner similar to Rogers was going to a difficult task, but Australia have found the right man in Joe Burns. Many were sceptical when he was given his chance ahead of a few others, and in particular West Australian Cameron Bancroft. But to his credit, Burns continues to show why he is the right man.
His hundred in the first innings of the second Test in Wellington further backed the argument he’s the perfect replacement. Scoring 170, he showed the ability to bat time and score at an appropriate rate. Warner will flourish around him.
Usman Khawaja has secured the number three spot with ease. Scoring hundred after hundred in every form of the game, Khawaja is Australia’s long-term solution. Not since the days of Ricky Ponting have Australia had someone who comes in with so much composure and confidence in that particular spot.
No one deserves to be in charge of this side other than Steve Smith. Whether people like how he goes about is business, you certainly can’t argue that it isn’t effective. His ability to not only score important runs, but also always be thinking about the game, sets him apart. Players want to do well under him and that will always put any team on a positive path. Being a captain that wants to attack will help bring out the best of the players around him, and we are certainly seeing that in New Zealand.
The biggest talking point in the batting department is Adam Voges. Who thought we would ever be using his name and Don Bradman’s in the same sentence? After struggling in England last year, many thought his Test career may be coming to a short end. But after scoring big runs, people now see the West Australian in this side until the day he calls stumps. While he continues to defy the odds, it remains important to remember he is still getting towards the end of his career. The selectors should be lining up the next number five.
Mitchell Marsh invites some form of discussion when mentioned, and despite not completely nailing his spot down in the side he is certainly a talent worth persisting with. His bowling has been impressive and provides another dimension in the Aussie line-up. As for his batting, it will come. The longer he is given, the better. Rome wasn’t built in a day. There will be a day it all clicks and we will then fully appreciate his talent.
Modern keepers usually are more dynamic with their batting than Peter Nevill, but many could still learn a lesson about how he goes about it. His stability down the order gives Marsh someone to work with. Also, his keeping is superb. It is actually difficult to think of many mistakes he has made since coming into the side for Haddin back in the Ashes last year.
Having lost the main man in the bowling attack to injury, Australia have been forced to do without Mitchell Starc. But due to good depth and quality, they are dealing without him more than well.
Losing bowlers with the talent of Harris, Johnson and Starc temporarily was always going to be a challenge. Thanks to the likes of Josh Hazlewood, James Pattinson, Nathan Lyon and Peter Siddle, the Aussies have had no issues restoring the firepower with the ball.
Lyon continues to show why he is arguably the best off-spinner in the world. Being able to bowl with a good variety and out-think batsmen, he is a weapon that the opposition cannot take lightly.
Pattinson has snuck right back in and is always improving. His spell on Day 3 in Christchurch further backed why he is a crucial ingredient in the Aussie line-up. Bowling with pace and venom, he is everything you want in a fast bowler. Removing the heart and soul of the New Zealand batting order, that spell could be the difference in winning the second Test against New Zealand.
Hazlewood has taken the role of being the main man since Starc’s injury like a duck to water. Having that role of importance has given him another reason to improve. When you think about it, he was Australia’s third option back in England behind Starc and Johnson. It has been a rapid rise from the New South Welshman.
Siddle, who is out due to injury in Wellington, has made those around him look better. The ability to bowl line and length gives others the chance to get the rewards. If fit, he is ahead of Jackson Bird for a spot in the Test side. He has been the constant in a strong Aussie team.
The blend of youth and experience is sitting well with the current group of players. They are buying into Darren Lehmann and Smith’s vision: attacking cricket that allows them to express themselves.
Test sides are forever changing due to injuries, lack of form and retirements. But right now Australia have a solid group of players in the side and back at Shield level. The future is beginning to take shape for Australian Test cricket.
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