Australia's fragile batters leave door open for South Africa
London: If this game has been the ultimate Test, as billed by its promoters, then Australia's increasingly fragile batting lineup has largely failed its questions.
Hoping to settle their top six ahead of the Ashes at home this summer, the national selectors – all of them in attendance at Lord's this week – have a long list of fresh queries about how to produce the runs required to keep winning games.
Now with 300 wickets in Tests, Pat Cummins will back his men to outbowl South Africa here in the final innings of a game in fast-forward, particularly after Alex Carey (43) found a willing ally in Mitchell Starc for a stand of 61 in the final hour.
But the magnificent pace and spin ensemble led by the captain, alongside Josh Hazlewood, Starc and Nathan Lyon with Scott Boland in reserve, should not be having to go back to the well this often. CricViz has the Proteas narrow favourites: 51 per cent to 49, with the Australians leading by 218 overall.
'Ideally we'd probably have a few more wickets in the shed,' Cummins said. 'But the trend of the game is it's still pretty difficult out there, so it's set up pretty well for a day three finish you'd imagine tomorrow, but we're going to have to bowl well.'
Usman Khawaja (zero and six) and Cameron Green (four and zero) were taken apart by the formidable Kagiso Rabada in both innings, succumbing to quality seam bowling at high pace. That is no disgrace in itself, but top order players need to be able to handle those difficulties more often than not, at least for long enough to ease a path for the middle order.
At 38, Khawaja's skills have lately been stretched by the top echelon of pace bowlers: Mark Wood in England in 2023, Jasprit Bumrah last summer, and Rabada here. A double century in Sri Lanka was made in between, but conditions at Lord's have been far closer to those of Australia than Galle was or the West Indies will be.
Slotted back into the side before he was ready to bowl again, Green can be a somewhat iffy starter, when roles in the top three require precision against the new ball. His runs for Gloucestershire were characterised by some struggles early before he was fully dialled in at the crease, and Test class attacks won't give him the latitude of the county second division.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Steve Smith hurt during big moment in World Test final
Australia's best batter Steve Smith has dropped a crucial chance and injured his finger during South Africa's run chase of 282 in the World Test Championship final at Lord's. Wearing a helmet while standing closer in slips than normal, the former Australia captain put down a regulation chance off Mitchell Starc that would have dismissed Proteas captain Temba Bavuma for only two on Friday. South Africa went to tea on day three at 2-94, still requiring 188 to win, with Bavuma (11no) and opener Aiden Markram (49no) pressing the Proteas' claims of securing their first ICC trophy since 1998. Bavuma himself needed medical attention on his hamstring before the end of the session after he'd got hurt sprinting a quick single, but batted on with a concerning limp. Smith immediately left the field grimacing after injuring the little finger of his right hand while spilling the catch that would have put Australia in the box seat to claim back-to-back WTC titles. Several edges during this Test - for both teams - have dropped well short of the slip cordon, forcing Smith to move forward. Evergreen quick Starc (2-37) had claimed both of South Africa's second-innings scalps, backing up a potentially match-winning knock on Friday morning, before Smith's dropped catch. Starting day three of their second innings 8-144, Australia's plucky lower-order batted for 119 minutes and added another 78 during a Test in which bowlers dominated the first two days. No.11 Josh Hazlewood (17) hung in there for 53 balls and was the last player out on the stroke of lunch, caught in the deep to give part-time spinner Aiden Markram his second wicket of the Test. Starc (58no), batting at No.9, finished as Australia's top-scorer of the innings ahead of wicketkeeper Alex Carey (43). He faced more balls (136) than any other batter during an innings in this Test, even more than Steve Smith's 112 for his 66 on day one. It was the 11th half-century of Starc's 97-Test career, but could be his most significant innings. If the match goes down to the wire, South Africa will be left to rue bowling 20 no balls during the Test. Star Proteas quick Kagiso Rabada (4-59) finished with match figures of 9-110 after he destroyed Australia with 5-51 in the first innings to put his name on the Lord's honour board for a second time. He took a five-for against England at the home of cricket back in 2022. "It would have been nice to get a 10-for, but I'd rather a win than a 10-for," Rabada said at lunch. South Africa need to pull off the equal second-highest successful chase in a Test at Lord's, with England running down 282 against New Zealand back in 2004. Back in 1984, West Indies, in their pomp, successfully chased 342 against England at the famous ground. Australia, inspired by six wickets from Pat Cummins, rolled South Africa for 138 on Thursday. But the reigning champions fell into deep trouble in their second innings when they collapsed with 5-29 during a frantic 45-minute period. Victory in only the third edition of the WTC final would ensure Australia have landed four ICC trophies since November 2021. Fourteen wickets tumbled on Thursday, after 14 had already fallen on a dramatic opening day. This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the World Test Championship final. Australia's best batter Steve Smith has dropped a crucial chance and injured his finger during South Africa's run chase of 282 in the World Test Championship final at Lord's. Wearing a helmet while standing closer in slips than normal, the former Australia captain put down a regulation chance off Mitchell Starc that would have dismissed Proteas captain Temba Bavuma for only two on Friday. South Africa went to tea on day three at 2-94, still requiring 188 to win, with Bavuma (11no) and opener Aiden Markram (49no) pressing the Proteas' claims of securing their first ICC trophy since 1998. Bavuma himself needed medical attention on his hamstring before the end of the session after he'd got hurt sprinting a quick single, but batted on with a concerning limp. Smith immediately left the field grimacing after injuring the little finger of his right hand while spilling the catch that would have put Australia in the box seat to claim back-to-back WTC titles. Several edges during this Test - for both teams - have dropped well short of the slip cordon, forcing Smith to move forward. Evergreen quick Starc (2-37) had claimed both of South Africa's second-innings scalps, backing up a potentially match-winning knock on Friday morning, before Smith's dropped catch. Starting day three of their second innings 8-144, Australia's plucky lower-order batted for 119 minutes and added another 78 during a Test in which bowlers dominated the first two days. No.11 Josh Hazlewood (17) hung in there for 53 balls and was the last player out on the stroke of lunch, caught in the deep to give part-time spinner Aiden Markram his second wicket of the Test. Starc (58no), batting at No.9, finished as Australia's top-scorer of the innings ahead of wicketkeeper Alex Carey (43). He faced more balls (136) than any other batter during an innings in this Test, even more than Steve Smith's 112 for his 66 on day one. It was the 11th half-century of Starc's 97-Test career, but could be his most significant innings. If the match goes down to the wire, South Africa will be left to rue bowling 20 no balls during the Test. Star Proteas quick Kagiso Rabada (4-59) finished with match figures of 9-110 after he destroyed Australia with 5-51 in the first innings to put his name on the Lord's honour board for a second time. He took a five-for against England at the home of cricket back in 2022. "It would have been nice to get a 10-for, but I'd rather a win than a 10-for," Rabada said at lunch. South Africa need to pull off the equal second-highest successful chase in a Test at Lord's, with England running down 282 against New Zealand back in 2004. Back in 1984, West Indies, in their pomp, successfully chased 342 against England at the famous ground. Australia, inspired by six wickets from Pat Cummins, rolled South Africa for 138 on Thursday. But the reigning champions fell into deep trouble in their second innings when they collapsed with 5-29 during a frantic 45-minute period. Victory in only the third edition of the WTC final would ensure Australia have landed four ICC trophies since November 2021. Fourteen wickets tumbled on Thursday, after 14 had already fallen on a dramatic opening day. This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the World Test Championship final. Australia's best batter Steve Smith has dropped a crucial chance and injured his finger during South Africa's run chase of 282 in the World Test Championship final at Lord's. Wearing a helmet while standing closer in slips than normal, the former Australia captain put down a regulation chance off Mitchell Starc that would have dismissed Proteas captain Temba Bavuma for only two on Friday. South Africa went to tea on day three at 2-94, still requiring 188 to win, with Bavuma (11no) and opener Aiden Markram (49no) pressing the Proteas' claims of securing their first ICC trophy since 1998. Bavuma himself needed medical attention on his hamstring before the end of the session after he'd got hurt sprinting a quick single, but batted on with a concerning limp. Smith immediately left the field grimacing after injuring the little finger of his right hand while spilling the catch that would have put Australia in the box seat to claim back-to-back WTC titles. Several edges during this Test - for both teams - have dropped well short of the slip cordon, forcing Smith to move forward. Evergreen quick Starc (2-37) had claimed both of South Africa's second-innings scalps, backing up a potentially match-winning knock on Friday morning, before Smith's dropped catch. Starting day three of their second innings 8-144, Australia's plucky lower-order batted for 119 minutes and added another 78 during a Test in which bowlers dominated the first two days. No.11 Josh Hazlewood (17) hung in there for 53 balls and was the last player out on the stroke of lunch, caught in the deep to give part-time spinner Aiden Markram his second wicket of the Test. Starc (58no), batting at No.9, finished as Australia's top-scorer of the innings ahead of wicketkeeper Alex Carey (43). He faced more balls (136) than any other batter during an innings in this Test, even more than Steve Smith's 112 for his 66 on day one. It was the 11th half-century of Starc's 97-Test career, but could be his most significant innings. If the match goes down to the wire, South Africa will be left to rue bowling 20 no balls during the Test. Star Proteas quick Kagiso Rabada (4-59) finished with match figures of 9-110 after he destroyed Australia with 5-51 in the first innings to put his name on the Lord's honour board for a second time. He took a five-for against England at the home of cricket back in 2022. "It would have been nice to get a 10-for, but I'd rather a win than a 10-for," Rabada said at lunch. South Africa need to pull off the equal second-highest successful chase in a Test at Lord's, with England running down 282 against New Zealand back in 2004. Back in 1984, West Indies, in their pomp, successfully chased 342 against England at the famous ground. Australia, inspired by six wickets from Pat Cummins, rolled South Africa for 138 on Thursday. But the reigning champions fell into deep trouble in their second innings when they collapsed with 5-29 during a frantic 45-minute period. Victory in only the third edition of the WTC final would ensure Australia have landed four ICC trophies since November 2021. Fourteen wickets tumbled on Thursday, after 14 had already fallen on a dramatic opening day. This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the World Test Championship final.
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Star Aussie batter hurt at Lord's, in doubt for Windies
Star batter Steve Smith could be forced to miss Australia's upcoming tour of the West Indies after suffering a compound dislocation of his finger. In a major blow for Australia's immediate and long-term prospects, Smith hurt his right little finger during a crucial moment of the World Test Championship final at Lord's on Friday. Wearing a helmet while standing closer in slips than normal, the former Australia captain put down a regulation chance off Mitchell Starc that would have dismissed Proteas captain Temba Bavuma for only two. Smith immediately left the field grimacing while spilling the catch that would have put Australia in the box seat to claim back-to-back WTC titles. The 36-year-old was assessed by medical staff in the Lord's change rooms, before being taken to hospital for X-rays and further treatment. A compound dislocation is when bone pierces the skin, which could mean Smith needs surgery and a long rehabilitation. One of the greatest red-ball batters of all-time, Smith's looming absence will be a major blow after scoring four centuries from his last six Tests in a stunning late-career resurgence. But Smith's misfortune could give out-of-form teammate Marnus Labuschagne a reprieve. The 30-year-old Labuschagne averaged less than 30 during this WTC cycle during the past two years, with his last century coming back in July 2023. A long-term No.3, Labuschagne moved up to open for the first time in his Test career for this match. But the promotion failed to snap him out of his lean spell, making 17 and 22. Teenage tyro Sam Konstas, who announced himself last Boxing Day, is almost certain to be given an opportunity as opener for Australia's first tour of the Caribbean in 10 years. If Smith can't play, Konstas could slot back in to open with Usman Khawaja, while Labuschagne would likely drop down to No.3. Australia's first Test begins in Barbados in 12 days on June 25, followed by matches in Grenada and Jamaica. This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the World Test Championship final. Star batter Steve Smith could be forced to miss Australia's upcoming tour of the West Indies after suffering a compound dislocation of his finger. In a major blow for Australia's immediate and long-term prospects, Smith hurt his right little finger during a crucial moment of the World Test Championship final at Lord's on Friday. Wearing a helmet while standing closer in slips than normal, the former Australia captain put down a regulation chance off Mitchell Starc that would have dismissed Proteas captain Temba Bavuma for only two. Smith immediately left the field grimacing while spilling the catch that would have put Australia in the box seat to claim back-to-back WTC titles. The 36-year-old was assessed by medical staff in the Lord's change rooms, before being taken to hospital for X-rays and further treatment. A compound dislocation is when bone pierces the skin, which could mean Smith needs surgery and a long rehabilitation. One of the greatest red-ball batters of all-time, Smith's looming absence will be a major blow after scoring four centuries from his last six Tests in a stunning late-career resurgence. But Smith's misfortune could give out-of-form teammate Marnus Labuschagne a reprieve. The 30-year-old Labuschagne averaged less than 30 during this WTC cycle during the past two years, with his last century coming back in July 2023. A long-term No.3, Labuschagne moved up to open for the first time in his Test career for this match. But the promotion failed to snap him out of his lean spell, making 17 and 22. Teenage tyro Sam Konstas, who announced himself last Boxing Day, is almost certain to be given an opportunity as opener for Australia's first tour of the Caribbean in 10 years. If Smith can't play, Konstas could slot back in to open with Usman Khawaja, while Labuschagne would likely drop down to No.3. Australia's first Test begins in Barbados in 12 days on June 25, followed by matches in Grenada and Jamaica. This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the World Test Championship final. Star batter Steve Smith could be forced to miss Australia's upcoming tour of the West Indies after suffering a compound dislocation of his finger. In a major blow for Australia's immediate and long-term prospects, Smith hurt his right little finger during a crucial moment of the World Test Championship final at Lord's on Friday. Wearing a helmet while standing closer in slips than normal, the former Australia captain put down a regulation chance off Mitchell Starc that would have dismissed Proteas captain Temba Bavuma for only two. Smith immediately left the field grimacing while spilling the catch that would have put Australia in the box seat to claim back-to-back WTC titles. The 36-year-old was assessed by medical staff in the Lord's change rooms, before being taken to hospital for X-rays and further treatment. A compound dislocation is when bone pierces the skin, which could mean Smith needs surgery and a long rehabilitation. One of the greatest red-ball batters of all-time, Smith's looming absence will be a major blow after scoring four centuries from his last six Tests in a stunning late-career resurgence. But Smith's misfortune could give out-of-form teammate Marnus Labuschagne a reprieve. The 30-year-old Labuschagne averaged less than 30 during this WTC cycle during the past two years, with his last century coming back in July 2023. A long-term No.3, Labuschagne moved up to open for the first time in his Test career for this match. But the promotion failed to snap him out of his lean spell, making 17 and 22. Teenage tyro Sam Konstas, who announced himself last Boxing Day, is almost certain to be given an opportunity as opener for Australia's first tour of the Caribbean in 10 years. If Smith can't play, Konstas could slot back in to open with Usman Khawaja, while Labuschagne would likely drop down to No.3. Australia's first Test begins in Barbados in 12 days on June 25, followed by matches in Grenada and Jamaica. This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the World Test Championship final.
Perth Now
an hour ago
- Perth Now
Star Aussie batter hurt at Lord's, in doubt for Windies
Star batter Steve Smith could be forced to miss Australia's upcoming tour of the West Indies after suffering a compound dislocation of his finger. In a major blow for Australia's immediate and long-term prospects, Smith hurt his right little finger during a crucial moment of the World Test Championship final at Lord's on Friday. Wearing a helmet while standing closer in slips than normal, the former Australia captain put down a regulation chance off Mitchell Starc that would have dismissed Proteas captain Temba Bavuma for only two. Smith immediately left the field grimacing while spilling the catch that would have put Australia in the box seat to claim back-to-back WTC titles. The 36-year-old was assessed by medical staff in the Lord's change rooms, before being taken to hospital for X-rays and further treatment. A compound dislocation is when bone pierces the skin, which could mean Smith needs surgery and a long rehabilitation. One of the greatest red-ball batters of all-time, Smith's looming absence will be a major blow after scoring four centuries from his last six Tests in a stunning late-career resurgence. But Smith's misfortune could give out-of-form teammate Marnus Labuschagne a reprieve. The 30-year-old Labuschagne averaged less than 30 during this WTC cycle during the past two years, with his last century coming back in July 2023. A long-term No.3, Labuschagne moved up to open for the first time in his Test career for this match. But the promotion failed to snap him out of his lean spell, making 17 and 22. Teenage tyro Sam Konstas, who announced himself last Boxing Day, is almost certain to be given an opportunity as opener for Australia's first tour of the Caribbean in 10 years. If Smith can't play, Konstas could slot back in to open with Usman Khawaja, while Labuschagne would likely drop down to No.3. Australia's first Test begins in Barbados in 12 days on June 25, followed by matches in Grenada and Jamaica. This AAP article was made possible by support from Amazon Prime Video, which is broadcasting the World Test Championship final.
