The recent two World Cup warm-up losses of Australia serve as a clear indicator that net bowlers throughout the subcontinent will be eager to exploit the apparent weaknesses in the Australian batting lineup.
Although the crucial phase of the tournament is still over a month away, the recent batting failures against South Africa and India create significant concerns for the Australians looking ahead.
Particularly troubling is the way in which Australia’s batsmen have faltered when faced with spin on a dry pitch in Bangalore.
Despite Ricky Ponting, the captain, and his vice-captain Michael Clarke showing signs of form against South Africa on Tuesday night, both succumbed to the subtle left-arm spin of Robin Peterson, triggering a severe collapse.
Peterson, boasting a one-day international average exceeding 50, along with uncapped leg-spinner Imran Tahir, combined to take four wickets as Australia crumbled from a promising 2-128 to all out for 217.
The defeat against South Africa followed closely behind India’s spinners dismantling the Australians, taking the last nine wickets for a mere 58 runs and leading to a surprising win for the hosts.
Damien Fleming, a World Cup champion from 1999, voiced his worries regarding Australia’s struggle against spin bowling.
“I’m somewhat concerned about our (Australia’s) middle order when facing spin,” he stated.
“For Australia to clinch victories, their middle order must stand firm against spin and ensure they score rapidly.”
Mark Waugh echoed this sentiment, pointing out that the absence of the injured Mike Hussey created a significant void in Australia’s batting order.
“The concern is that the middle order looks shaky against spin bowling, so we need to address this issue,” Waugh remarked.
“While we perform well under pressure and possess some highly experienced players, the challenges of the subcontinent will require us to adapt our style of cricket.
“Mike Hussey’s loss is monumental; he’s our strongest player in the middle order.”
Even though the Australians will not encounter India or South Africa again until the knockout stages, they will meet several world-class spin bowlers during the group phase.
Among the top spinners in the world are Sri Lankan duo Muttiah Muralidaran and Ajantha Mendis, along with New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori, while Pakistan’s Abdur Rehman, Mohammad Hafeez, and Shahid Afridi will also present challenges on the well-known subcontinental pitches.
It’s the dry tracks that have led Ponting to recognize the difficult challenge his batsmen are up against.
“There’s no doubt spinners will play a significant role in this tournament,” Ponting stated following the loss to India.
“Our performance was disappointing. We should have executed much better in such conditions.
“As the tournament progresses, pitches that turn like that in the second innings could become our reality, so we must discover strategies to win matches in these tough circumstances.”
Based on the performances in the warm-up matches, it appears that Ponting may lack the right tools to capitalize on the turning conditions effectively.
Jason Krejza, who is Australia’s third-choice Cup spinner after Nathan Hauritz and Xavier Doherty, has had a challenging start to the tour.
The off-spinner’s combined figures stand at 1-102 from 20 overs across the two practice matches, while part-timer David Hussey managed 2-25 against India on Monday night.
Krejza’s performance in the warm-up encounters has done little to downplay the criticism voiced by former India captain Sourav Ganguly.
Ganguly, who was dismissed twice by Krejza during his Test debut three years ago, suggested that Australia’s bowling attack would struggle under the dry conditions.
“The absence of a quality spin bowler will undoubtedly hinder them at some point,” Ganguly commented.
“Although Jason Krejza is a respectable bowler, he might falter against proficient players of spin.
“Their bowling attack lacks balance.”
by Buford Balony
