Matthew Hayden's Brave Claim: 'Hazlewood-Cummins-Starc Trio Even Better Than...'
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Matthew Hayden praised Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, claiming they are superior to the legendary Australian pace attack of McGrath, Lee, and Gillespie.
Matthew Hayden said that the trio of Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc could be the best pace bowling attack that Australia has produced. He claims that they are even better than the Glenn McGrath, Brett Lee, and Jason Gillespie that terrorised a generation of batters.
This statement comes after Day 2 of Australia's commanding performance at the World Test Championship final against South Africa in which Australia rebounded after a lacklustre batting performance, all thanks to performances of the Hazlewood-Cummins-Starc trio. Cummins collected 6 wickets, Starc dismissed the South African openers, Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton, whilst Hazlewood collected the scalp of the explosive Tristan Stubbs.
'The trio of Hazlewood, Cummins, and Starc might just be Australia's best-ever pace attack—even better than McGrath, Gillespie, and Lee—because they've bowled more together, in more combinations. Add Nathan Lyon to the mix, and it's an 'awesome foursome.' Australia did well to pull ahead despite pressure. South Africa fought back hard, making this a seesaw contest. It's been a fantastic Test match so far, and Day 3 promises more drama," said Hayden.
'Cummins does everything right—he challenges the off stump, uses the slope, and targets the top of the stumps, making batters play constantly. He now has over 300 Test wickets despite not bowling for five and a half years due to injury. That's extraordinary."
Australia currently lead by 218 runs which puts them in major control ahead of Day 3.
There hasn't been a single century partnership yet, and that could make a huge difference in the fourth innings. Even if Australia gets a lead of 250, South Africa will need a 100-run stand and another 50-run partnership to stay in the game. Ironically, more wickets have fallen when the sun's been out, not under overhead conditions. It speaks more about batting rust than exceptional bowling," he concluded.
First Published:
June 13, 2025, 13:19 IST
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