It took a few extra overs tacked on at the end of the second session, but Australia finally broke their drought by recording a Test win over South Africa on Day 4 at Adelaide Oval.
Australia needed 127 runs to win after they bowled South Africa out earlier in the day, a very achieveable target, but there were concerns early on when David Warner and Usman Khawaja both fell in the space of three balls in the 18th over.
The lost confidence in Australia’s batting order was made immediately apparent if you happened to be on social media in those moments. Even though the Aussies only needed 63 more runs at that point, the team’s recent batting collapses and the fact we were now relying largely on the debutants had us all nervous.
However with Steve Smith and Matt Renshaw at the crease, Australia slowly but surely progressed towards victory. Smith lost his wicket when the Australians were just two runs short of the win, but Peter Handscomb came to the crease and his first and only run of the second innings was the match winner.
And so Australia finally rejoined the winners list. That’s worthy of celebration – a Test win always is, especially after the rough period the team has been through lately. But amongst our jubilation, we can’t afford to paper over the cracks that have been exposed this year.
Those were the cracks that forced Rod Marsh’s immediate retirement form his role as a selector after the Test in Hobart, and that saw three rookies promoted to make their debuts in the baggy green in this match.
Tellingly though it was not so much the fresh blood brought into the team that won us this one as it was the improved performances from more experienced hands.
Khawaja’s superb knock in the first innings, Nathan Lyon’s brilliant spell at the end of the third day – these were the kind of team-lifting performances that win matches, the kind we needed.
It’s no surprise that a bit of a shake-up in the squad created these. Lyon had some calling for his head before this Test, and he and the rest of Australia’s regulars must have gotten a strong message that poor form will only be tolerated for so long.
As for the debutants, Renshaw and Handscomb will be feeling proud of their performances, and rightly so. Handscomb had a superb half century in the first innings, and Renshaw’s ability to stay calm and eke out a win when his more experienced batting partners were losing their wickets showed maturity beyond his years.
Nic Maddinson, probably the most speculative of the inclusions, was gone for a 12-ball duck in the first innings and unfortunately didn’t get a second chance at the crease.
It’s clear that the Australian team is still very much a work in progress, and it will take more time and change than we’ve seen over the past fortnight before it becomes the best it can be.
However, those wheels do seem to be in motion. The events of this Test will have shown every young first class cricketer in the country that they are going to get the opportunity, if they’re good enough.
It’ll also push the more experienced players. Just look at Peter Nevill, who responded to being dropped with an unbeaten knock of 179 for NSW in the Sheffield Shield.
The fire has been lit amongst the Test team once again. Keep it burning, and the upcoming series against Pakistan – beginning December 15 at the Gabba – will be a big one for Australian cricket.
Don Freo
Guest
It was a terrible shot. The same defensive half push. You'd think with JL and Geoff Marsh there every day, he could work that one out. C'mon Mitch!
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Harder marker? I'll give him a 6/10.... One for every wicket he's taken in the match. Hmmm every wicket taken... Maybe's he's more of a bowler
Don Freo
Guest
You're a hard marker! He dealt with the first ball really comfortably...it was just that second one that troubled him.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
That didn't take long... Mitch bowled for zero! Another solid batting contribution from Mitch
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Here we go Don, another 4 wickets for Mitch Marsh..... But his chance to win the game for WA or at the very least ensure they draw the game with his bat has just commenced! Let's see what's he's got.
Republican
Guest
.......agree. Australia have a long hard road ahead before they regain status in the Test version of the game.
Republican
Guest
Batting for Test cricket still leaves a lot to be desired in my opinion. Way to premature to be touting this new line up as the saviour to all our batting woes. Lets see how we go v Pakistan who NZ are putting to the sword at home. They will be more at home on our pitches than the Kiwi ones - to be sure.
Chris Love
Roar Guru
Chris, remember when Smarsh came in as injury cover hit a magnificent ton then was replaced once Khawaja was fit again? Only reason Burns then Renshaw got a chance was SMarsh's injury, a position Smarsh I believe earned before getting injured. It would be very rough for him to be dropped after a ton covering an injury last year only to be overlooked for someone younger who didn't exactly blow the house down with runs. In saying that I think Renshaw is going to be a very good opening bat for Australia and based on this test I'd rather see Renshaw remain as Warner's opening partner and have Smarsh come in down the order in place of Maddinson. Smarsh is in form so I think he should be persisted with until that reverses.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
I totally agree Craig. Especially considering he's well and truly in our best 6 bats in Asian conditions. He needs to replace Maddinson if he's fit. Yes it's unlucky for Maddinson, but he's not the 1st unlucky selection case. Callum Ferguson pretty much got 1 test on a very tough wicket and he won't be seen again. Many would argue Maddinson should of never been selected in the 1st place.
Craig
Guest
Yes, that's why I'm very nervous about this result. Khawaja has stitched up his position for 12 months off the back of an innings (albeit a quality one) in a dead rubber.
Craig
Guest
Shaun Marsh was in form and had he been fit, would never have been dropped. I would like him in the side, even if he bats at #6.
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
I suspect they'll give all three at least until the end of the Pakistan series to prove themselves. If they all do well then Marsh may struggle to get back in, if at least one of them fails miserably then he could come in, either way he'll most likely at least be in the squad.
Don Freo
Guest
Oh, he has. His low scores have blinded you to some excellent moments. Indications of his ability would be that stunning 200 plus against a full India A attack when they were 4/30 and got to 6/50 before he and Whiteman turned it around. A lively 88 against the Windies on tour and that wonderful 50 against Sri Lanka when no one did anything. He has the ability...he will develop it. I don't suggest he will regain his place before he shows some returns but he will. He will probably do it through the ODIs (where he will play) but I'd prefer him to do it in Shield.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Don I love you passion for Mitch Marsh.... But a genuine batsmen? Please, he's played enough FC Cricket and he's yet to show that he's a genuine batsmen. Even a Hack Grade Cricketer like myself would back themselves to squeeze one along with a Mac Truck through the gapping big hole between bat and pad you see time and time again while Mitch is at the crease. Mitch chances of playing for Australia going forward rely heavily on his strong ability to bowl and bowl well. I see he's opening the bowling for WA at the moment which is a great sign. I would much rather Mitch Marsh as our third bowling option than Peter Siddle and Jackson Bird on flat wickets like Perth, Adelaide & Sydney.
Don Freo
Guest
No. Mitch must focus on his batting. His bowling is good. He is a batsman first but people don't see it because he is not performing. That's why he must focus on his batting. It's his batting that needs most attention. When you are good at both, there is no need to only do one.
Don Freo
Guest
That's a good return. When you factor in the number of match saving and match winning innings he has played, this is a pleasing return. Another top ton again...this boy has Allan Border type character. You ought to watch him play and read the context around some of his big innings.
JamesH
Roar Guru
Agreed, if he's getting 30 off 100 with guys like Warner, Khawaja and Smith around him then that's a good start.
JamesH
Roar Guru
I'd like to see Mitch focus on his bowling. I think he has far more potential to be a test 7/8 but he needs to become a genuine third/fourth seam option. He can move it at a reasonable pace so he's not that far off. He would only be at 7 if we can get a decent keeper-batsman going, tho.
JamesH
Roar Guru
Head averaged 36 last season and 37.7 the season before that, Don. Don't get me wrong, I like Head and I think he would have been a better choice than Maddinson, but he hasn't justified selection purely through numbers. It would be a potential-based pick.
Don Freo
Guest
Mitch will be right back...as soon as he puts together a season of good scores.