Australia’s Test team has so far remained unchanged for the 2013/14 Ashes series, but when was the last time the same Australian XI played four Test matches in a row?
Remarkably, one has to trawl back almost a decade to late 2004, when Justin Langer, Matthew Hayden, Ricky Ponting, Damien Martyn, Darren Lehmann, Michael Clarke, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Jason Gillespie, Michael Kasprowicz and Glenn McGrath won four Tests together on the trot against New Zealand then Pakistan.
Why has it taken so long to establish a relatively stable Test side?
In recent years, Australia’s bowling rotation policy has definitely played a factor. With the Ashes secured and a retinue of eager young quicks on the sidelines, resting Ryan Harris for the Boxing Day Test seemed like a favourable option for the Australian selectors.
But already Harris’ inclusion has proved pivotal, with two key dismissals in England’s first innings, hopefully putting an end to the thought process behind the continual changes to Australia’s bowling attack.
Retirements and lack of form have also prevented much stability in the Australian Test team. 46 cricketers have debuted for Australia since the side last remained unchanged for four Test matches.
The 46 debutants previous to that streak in 2004 debuted over a period of 22 years, from 1982.
It’s also likely Australia’s three victories leading into Boxing Day played a part. That said, however, the Australian XI was still chopped and changed during its record-equaling 16 Test match winning streak from December 2005 to January 2008.
Perhaps only now the Australian selectors have re-learnt ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’.
And what if Australia again keeps the same Test team for the New Year’s Test in Sydney?
The last time the Australian XI remained unchanged for five consecutive Test matches was way back in 2001, consisting of Langer, Hayden, Ponting, Mark and Steve Waugh, Martyn, Gilchrist, Warne, Brett Lee, Gillespie and McGrath.
This team won one Test then drew three before being selected together for a fifth Test in a row.
It would also be the first time Australia has played the same XI for an entire series since December 2011 against New Zealand, although that was only a two Test match series.
Hagarthe horrible
Guest
Stable maybe. Hidden problems in national teams can be 'papered over' by winning. These can include a lack of 'stability' which ironically can fester the more successful a side is. Indeed Alistair Cook made reference to this in a recent interview. The images of Shane Watson and Michael Clarke embracing, joking and even being at the wicket together in the most recent Melbourne victory give the impression everything is rosy. As indicated in your comments Ben, pressure is now placed upon team selection by an excited public, and hungry journalists to continue the magical winning way. Any change to the formula that is so simple in the eyes of all looking from outside in will be judged ferociously should we suffer a loss. We only have to look to our current opponents who only a few weeks ago were stable and successful. Now with a lost series the true lack of stability has been exposed. Let us not go down that path.
Ken
Guest
I think you're looking for a problem. Decent test innings are generally based around a couple of good partnerships, not everyone has to fire in the same innings. In the last 3 tests, all but 2 of the top 7 have scored centuries (and Rogers has 3 x 50s). Bailey is the apparent weak link, but he's still got a 50 and the not out bash and crash innings at the WACA was pretty selfless for a guy that hadn't locked down his spot yet. At the end of the day you're looking at a team that's putting together consistently good totals with lots of different contributors, not relying on a single batsman doing well, I'd actually say it's a sign of a healthy team.
Gr8rWeStr
Guest
Ability is more important than stability, and I think this is confirmed in the fact "... the Australian XI was still chopped and changed during its record-equaling 16 Test match winning streak from December 2005 to January 2008." A professional organisation, sporting or not, will always be looking for changes to improve their overall performance. This Australian team might be winning at the moment but if they aren't looking to integrate new players who are in better form than those who are under performing then success will be short lived.
Kevin
Guest
Ben by golly what a side that was in 04
DubbleBubble
Guest
+1
davros
Guest
watoson and Bailley are a liability ...surely we have better options
Todd
Guest
Stable? This team isn't stable at all. In 4 of the 7 innings this series, their has been a solo rescue mission with the bat for Australia. Its more a case of the cupboard is bare, so stick with the team that is beating a very poor England. Rogers, Watson, Smith and Bailey are all averaging between 28 and 33 for the series. Hardly the ingredients for a succesful and productive team
FrozenNorth
Guest
Stable? Rogers and Bailey are on thin ice, questions still hang over Smith and Watson too.
No reason to change a winning team, is there?