Last Updated on 9 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey
To dismiss Australia’s nine-wicket defeat against Bangladesh as just a “blip” is too simplistic. While the Australians have won 20 of 29 Tests since the 2023 WTC Final, there have been issues simmering beneath the surface that have now reached boiling point.
Starts at the top of the order were an issue even in David Warner’s last couple of years as the left-hander battled for form. Australia’s search for his replacement remains, trying Steve Smith, Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne in short-lived experiments. Sam Konstas isn’t ready yet, while Jake Weatherald’s technique doesn’t look cut out for Test level.
And now, there is the Travis Head question, who, despite an excellent Ashes, is best suited to the middle order. It leaves Australia arguably in need of two new openers, but Cameron Green’s second innings century in Darwin means he surely holds on to number five for now.
At number three, significant questions remain around Marnus Labuschagne. He came into the series feeling great after two months working on his game, but he continued to square up at most of what Bangladesh bowled at him. He should have been out caught behind for eight in the second innings, before playing all round a Taijul Islam legstump half volley on 31.
On the bowling front, Australia lacked impact and penetration. Josh Hazlewood was the standout, while it will be interesting to see how Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins respond in Mackay. Nathan Lyon, however, was well and truly outbowled by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, with Australia’s offspinner unable to cause the Bangladeshis any trouble whatsoever.
Australia fans react to heavy defeat against Bangladesh in Darwin: Where to from here?
Pat Cummins’ team didn’t have a sniff, thoroughly outplayed from the first session through to the 11th. Bangladesh were outstanding, producing the type of cricket required to beat Australia down under. Their objective was to grind Australia down, and they did it perfectly.
From an Australian perspective, there is understandable concern regarding the difficult transition period the Test team faces. Legends including Allan Border have called on selectors to blood new bowling talent in the coming months as all members of the current attack are well into their thirties.
There are calls for batting changes, too. Matthew Hayden believes Matt Renshaw and Sam Konstas should be the openers, with Travis Head at three.
“Mr Versatile, leadership ability, he can bat anywhere. That’s a really solid performance,” Hayden said of Renshaw, as quoted by 7 News.
“If you can bat three, four, five then that versatility can start to get into the play. Andrew McDonald said it himself, he doesn’t really believe in batting orders necessarily — Pat Cummins the same.
“And the biggest question, I’ve said it for a long time now, Matt Renshaw. Selectors knew what he was like. Do they now know what he is? We’ve seen some really positive signs in the short format of the game.”
Fans were quite scathing online. The nature of the performance is of concern ahead of a huge 12 months where Australia will tour South Africa, India and England, as well as host an impressive New Zealand team.
“Huge changes needed, that pace attack Cummins, Sarc, Hazlewood, Lyon. Will get demolished in England next year. They not feared anymore,” one fan wrote.
“I’ve seen embarrassing Australian Test performances over the last almost 36 years of my life and this might be the most pathetic performance I’ve ever seen from an Australian Test team.”
Here are some of the reactions.
Australia need to bounce back quickly with the second Test starting Saturday 22 August in Mackay.
