The odds of an eight-wicket win by a significant margin in this day and age being followed immediately by a great deal of doubt over a team entering the next match are very rare. This is what Australia finds itself in ahead of the second Ashes Test at the Gabba. Although Australia bowled at a fast, accurate rate to beat England in Perth, that rate is about to be put under pressure, not due to form or performance, but because of injuries. With captain Pat Cummins out through a chronic back complaint, and Josh Hazlewood (Australia’s long-time veteran) still recovering from a hamstring injury, it is clear; Australia will be able to keep up their aggressive bowling style without these top pacemen.
Brendan Doggett’s Unexpected Spotlight
Before the Perth Test, no one had even thought of new Australian bowler Brendan Doggett for a long time; however, his impressive Test debut opened up the eyes of the selectors, and they were impressed. Doggett’s follow-through, bounce, and ability to find extra seam movement that is available at the WACA are all positive signs of what he can bring to Australia as a solid option at number four and fill the void left by both Hazlewood and Cummins. At the Gabba, the hard and fast surface will suit an aggressive bowling approach.
Doggett’s out-of-left-field inclusion has increased its chances of being successful. While statistically it is rare for a debutant to have success across two consecutive tests versus an opponent such as England, Doggett’s aggressive bowling style, which provides control, could provide the x-factor for Australia to continue applying the pressure on England without the use of their top quicks. His success at Perth may not just secure him a spot in this series but also help determine how Australia views their reserve options when there is a crisis.
Starc and Neser: Balancing Fire and Control
Mitchell Starc has always been the go-to strike bowler for Australia and can take apart any batting lineup with his new-ball skills. Michael Neser will provide a steady hand as an accurate and reliable complementary bowler for the team. Managing the workload of this pair becomes key to success, with Pat Cummins no longer available to help with sharing strike responsibilities, fatigue could become a major issue. Previous Australian seam attacks without their captain (e.g., England in 2013-14) relied heavily on Starc; this is a very dangerous strategy. Neser’s role may include containing batsmen at times, but may also include providing a bridge between Starc’s short burst of deliveries. The success of the Australian fast bowling unit will depend largely on how well they can rotate tactics, and if they decide to be creative and more aggressive with their field placements in Perth, to maintain that early dominance.
Batting Resilience: Khawaja Under the Scanner
Australia’s batting also has to find its own answer. Top order stability for the Australians may be as fragile as the physical state of a fast bowler’s back. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith have been carrying the weight of Australian form so far this series, but Usman Khawaja’s fitness will determine the outcome at The Gabba, where early hesitation to get on with it will be punished by some serious bounce. Options such as Beau Webster and Josh Inglis are more than just “insurance” for the Aussies; their selection could very well tip the scales if Usman Khawaja does not come out firing. Historically, Australia’s use of left-hand/right-hand opening combinations has allowed them to create problems for English seam bowlers, provided the top order batsmen remain injury-free and mentally strong.
There is no shortage of examples of the best teams failing to cope with unexpected injuries; Australia has the opportunity to demonstrate that depth can give you the same amount of prestige as being the leader of the team or having the fastest bowlers.
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