Australia’s fast-bowling arsenal has long been a cornerstone of their cricketing dominance, with Josh Hazlewood playing a pivotal role in their successes. However, during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India, Hazlewood’s absence due to a calf strain has scarcely been felt, thanks to the emergence of Scott Boland and the consistent performances of the seasoned pace duo, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
Hazlewood’s injury, sustained during the third Test in Brisbane, was initially perceived as a significant setback for Australia. His ability to maintain relentless accuracy and extract movement off the pitch has been instrumental in Australia’s bowling strategies. Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri even remarked that Hazlewood’s absence would be a “massive blow” for Australia.
In response to this challenge, Australia introduced Scott Boland into the playing XI. Boland, known for his disciplined line and length, has seamlessly filled the void left by Hazlewood. His performances have been nothing short of exceptional, consistently applying pressure on the Indian batsmen and contributing crucial wickets at pivotal moments. Boland’s upright seam position and natural movement off the pitch have drawn favorable comparisons to Hazlewood’s meticulous approach.
Complementing Boland’s efforts, captain Pat Cummins and left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc have upheld their reputations as world-class bowlers. Cummins’ relentless aggression and Starc’s ability to generate pace and swing have been instrumental in dismantling India’s batting line-up. In the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, the trio’s combined efforts restricted India to a modest total of 185, with Boland claiming four wickets for 31 runs, Starc taking three for 49, and Cummins contributing with two scalps.
This seamless transition and sustained performance underscore the depth and versatility of Australia’s fast-bowling reserves. The team’s ability to adapt and maintain high standards, even in the absence of a key player like Hazlewood, reflects a well-structured system that nurtures and prepares its players for the rigors of international cricket.
For the Indian team, the relentless pressure exerted by Australia’s pace attack has posed significant challenges. The inability to build substantial partnerships and counter the disciplined bowling has been a recurring issue throughout the series. As the series progresses, India’s batsmen will need to devise strategies to navigate the formidable Australian seam attack effectively.