Australia has its work cut in the upcoming series against South Africa. The Kangaroos have already decided to rely on their experienced bowling attack, led by Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. But Stuart Broad sees something else.
What Did Stuart Broad Say About the Australian Attack Led by Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc?
Broad, appearing on “For The Love Of Cricket,” pointed out the fragile and thin nature of the Australian attack. What happens when any of Cummins, Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon are injured?
“I’m not ageist at all. Their bowling attack is unreal, right? Cummins, Starc, Hazlewood, Lyon. It’s just what’s beneath that. If they’re not quite right,” Broad said.
Who replaces them? Scott Boland is one option. Michael Neser is another. But neither has many years to offer. Lyon’s succession plan is also going nowhere.
Relying on a golden generation can’t last forever. Starc’s searing left-arm pace, Hazlewood’s relentless metronomic channel, Cummins’ relentless class, and Lyon’s spin wizardry have masked structural depth concerns for years.
They have amassed over 1,500 Test wickets, rewriting the record books as the first quartet to breach the 500-wicket mark playing alongside each other. But when injuries or rotation bite, the drop-off in domestic talent pool readiness becomes glaring.
Meanwhile, the Proteas are already crippled by Kagiso Rabada’s injury. His participation comes with an asterisk. Putting a dent in the exciting match-ups.
“Rumour has it. Rabada is out, which would be a stinker,” Broad also added.
Can Australia’s next wave step up when the inevitable transition hits? Broad doesn’t think they’re quite ready yet. And he’d know a thing or two about rebuilding an attack after golden eras fade.
For now, the fans have to wait and see whether the 3-test series will put more questions on the Australian bowling attack and prove Broad’s assessment right.
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