Latest news with #MitchellStarc
West Australian
4 days ago
- Sport
- West Australian
Mitchell Johnson: Steve Smith is the obvious solution at No.3 and should be told that's where he's batting
Throughout my Test career, there were numerous times when I had to step into a different role because it was the best thing for the team. At times that would mean bowling in situations that didn't always suit me personally. But you do it for the team. Mitchell Starc and I weren't the ideal combo in the Australian Test team. We were both attacking bowlers, and we could easily go for runs because of that. When Starc was early in his career, he really thrived with the new ball and the older ball that reversed. The new ball allowed him to swing it and capitalise on those early conditions. I also wanted the new ball to grab early wickets. But I knew I was versatile enough to bowl first or second change and being a senior player, I also understood what the team needed. I didn't rely on the swinging ball like Starc did back then, so from a team perspective, I was more than happy to adapt my role. Although a swinging ball was always helpful if you could get it! Being a senior player doesn't mean that you always get what you want. And it's time Steve Smith was told he needs to bat at No.3 on his return from injury because that's what's best for the team. Marnus Labuschagne has been discarded and all-rounder Cam Green has not shown anything at first drop to indicate it will be a success. Here's a thought: instead of any more experiments, how about we place our best batsman at No.3. Smith has proven he can handle the pressure; after all, he opened for the team before dropping back to four - with both moves at his preference. Then we could bring back Nathan McSweeney at four, leave Travis Head at five, and choose between all-rounders Green and Beau Webster at six based on their current form. Let's keep the faith and support our young guns while holding our experienced players accountable. Particularly young talents such as Sam Konstas. It's baffling how quickly opinions can shift. Just a short while ago, fans and media were raving about his potential after his Boxing Day performance, dubbing him the future of Australian cricket. Now, after a tough outing against the West Indies in his first overseas Test —his third Test match, no less—he's facing an avalanche of criticism. Why the double standard? It was the same with Cooper Connolly after his Test debut in Sri Lanka. Connolly was nervous and didn't play his best cricket, but was smashed by cricket followers and the media for the way he played. Let's think about seasoned players such as Labuschagne, who hadn't been at the top of his game for the past 18 months. Why didn't he face the same scrutiny? Usman Khawaja is in a similar boat. There seems to be an imbalance in how we discuss players' performances for Australia and the new guys are always easy targets. They are fair game, yet any criticism of an established player is met with backlash. It's perplexing that we focus heavily on the failures of a few Test matches for young players while overlooking the struggles of established ones. It would be tough for McSweeney to miss out on a perfect opportunity in the West Indies to get some experience before an Ashes series but all he can do is be ready for that chance, play Sheffield Shield and score runs. The new players need time and a bit of patience from everyone. Sure, they have a job to do — to score runs — but they also deserve a little breathing space, especially if we've been lenient with the more experienced players. Let's support our emerging talents and give them the space to grow into their roles. Of course, the senior core of the Australian team find a way to get the job done most of the time and the bowlers, led by Josh Hazlewood's 13th career five-for, sliced through the Windies to finish the first Test inside three days after the Aussies conceded a first-innings lead. While Australia have gone 1-0 up, I stand by my argument for the need for a blend of youth to come through at a time like this. We know these great players will bowl their last ball in Test cricket or mark centre for the last time at some point. It's part of the game and Australia will always fight to win in all situations, that's why the blooding process is vital. Throughout Australia's cricketing history there have been drop-offs after generations of greats have retired, and it took some time to build the team back up. There will always be times of rebuilding, but what you don't want is too many players departing at the same time, leaving too much of a gap to fill. That is also on the selectors to make tough yet professional decisions.
Daily Telegraph
5 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Telegraph
Australia vs. West Indies, First Test, Day 3 live updates: Cricket world all says same thing as Aussies bowling attack saves batsmen's blushes
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cricket. Followed categories will be added to My News. Australia's pace attack has once again come to the rescue as the Aussies have taken a 1-0 lead in the Frank Worrell Trophy, beating the West Indies in Barbados. Chasing a daunting 301-run target for victory, the West Indies were in trouble from the outset as the Australian quicks wreaked havoc on Saturday morning (AEDT). West Indies vs. Australia Test & T20I Series | Watch every ball LIVE with ESPN, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. Paceman Josh Hazlewood ripped through the Windies top order, claiming 4-4 in a stunning three-over burst to put Australia in the driving seat. 'They are playing good as always. It's like a broken record these days watching the Australian bowling attack,' former Australian cricketer Greg Blewett said in commentary for Kayo. 'They're so experienced and so clinical. 'After a really good session here on Day 3, they can freshen up overnight and they'll be ready to go to knock over the West Indies in the morning. 'They also share it around really well. This time it's Josh Hazlewood. Good figures.' The quick added another to his tally later in the morning to finish with figures of 5-43. While Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins also took one apiece before Nathan Lyon did the damage late, cleaning up the tailenders. Australia's bowling trio of Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc did the damage again. Photo by Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images) The incredible performance of Hazlewood and the Aussie bowling attack, covered over the cracks of what was another dismal display from the Aussie batsmen. Earlier, the tourists posted 310 courtesy of defiant fifties from vice-captain Travis Head, all-rounder Beau Webster and wicketkeeper Alex Carey, after the top-order failed again. On Day 2, Sam Konstas failed again making just 5 off 38 balls as his Test average through six games sits at just above 20. Khawaja (15) and Inglis (12) also fell cheaply in the second innings. Inglis was sent packing for 12 after leaving a delivery from Jayden Seales that nipped in and crashed into off stump. Cameron Green also struggled again in his new No. 3 role, out for just 15. Safe to say him slotting in at No. 3, has not been the instant success Australian selectors would have hoped for. Since coming back into the team he has scores of 4, 0, 3 and 15. He also dropped a regulation chance on Day 3, as his Test nightmare continued. You can watch Cam Green's howler in the player at the top of the page. Josh Hazlewood tore through the West Indies on Day 3. (Photo by Randy Brooks / AFP) Australian pace attack ageing out While for now the likes of Starc, Hazlewood and Pat Cummins can come to the rescue, all three are deep in their 30s and will likely retire in the coming years. And the two waiting in the wings after impressing at Shield level, Scott Boland and Michael Neser, are 35 and 34 respectively. That leaves a worrying abyss when the trio calls time on their illustrious careers. But while the three-pronged attack will likely end in the years to come, fans are soaking it in while they still can. 'The Australian pace attack is the best in the business,' one fan wrote. '37 35 34 32 is the age of Lyon, Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins. Too old to be continuing much longer? However, they do have 553, 389, 283 and 302 test wickets equalling 1527 in total. Insane,' another added. While a third said: 'Thank god for the quicks'. Originally published as Australia triumph in first Test against the West Indies as bowling attack saves batsmen's blushes
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Australia WIN first Test in Barbados following heroics from paceman Josh Hazlewood - and finishing day three under lights in chaotic scenes
Australia has won the first Test against the West Indies lead thanks to a masterclass from paceman Josh Hazlewood. The hosts were set 301 to win, but were never in the hunt at Kensington Oval in Barbados, rolled for 141. Hazlewood snared 4-4 in a three-over blitz to assume control, with Australia eventually winning by 159 runs. After Travis Head and Beau Webster's 102-run fifth-wicket stand eased the nerves of cricket fans watching back home, it was then the turn of pace trio Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins to showcase their skills. They didn't disappoint, with Hazlewood finishing with figures of 5/43 as Andrew McDonald's men took a 1-0 lead in the series. 'It's like a broken record these days watching the Australian bowling attack,' former Australian cricketer Greg Blewett said in commentary. 'They are just so experienced and so clinical. 'They also share it (wickets) around really well. 'This time it was Josh Hazlewood. Good figures.' Blewett wasn't wrong - it was the 13th time in Hazlewood's Test career he has finished with a five-wicket haul. 'I didn't think it was going to happen that fast,' Hazlewood said post match in relation to the frantic ending under lights. Heading into stumps, West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves (38*) and impressive quick Shamar Joseph (44 from 22 balls) threatened to push the contest into a fourth day, but veteran spinner Nathan Lyon had other ideas. 'Garry' struck twice in the final over to seal the result, with the second Test starting on July 3 at St George's in Grenada. The result also extends Australia's unbeaten run in the Caribbean to nine matches dating back to 2003. Meanwhile, Steve Smith will return to the XI after missing the match in Barbados due to injury - and pressure is mounting on young gun Sam Konstas after he failed in both innings. Cameron Green also needs to be far more commanding batting in his new No. 3 role. Since coming back into the team he has been underwhelming at the crease, with scores of 4, 0, (South Africa, World Test Championship) followed by 3 and 15 (first Test).
Associated Press
5 days ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
Hazlewood 5-for leads Australia to three-day win over West Indies in Barbados test
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (AP) — Australia blew away the West Indies for 141 and won the first test by 159 runs at Kensington Oval on day three Friday. The West Indies was set a stressful 301 target to win on a tricky pitch and folded in 33.4 overs. The chief destroyer was seamer Josh Hazlewood with 5-43 from 12 overs. The West Indies collapsed to 86-8 inside 27 overs but the Australians didn't mop up the last resistance until the day's last over in an extra 75 minutes of an extended late session. Allrounder Justin Greaves, 38 not out, and No. 10 batter Shamar Joseph, a career-best 44 with four sixes, both went for broke in a team-best ninth-wicket stand of 55. Australia started the day in some bother at 92-4 in its second innings, but half-centuries from Travis Head, Beau Webster and Alex Carey hoisted them to an impressive 310 all out and a 300-run lead. West Indies start chase badly West Indies' attempt at its eighth highest successful run chase and highest in eight years was in trouble from the outset. Mitchell Starc claimed opening batter Kraigg Brathwaite in the first over, caught at backward square by a diving Sam Konstas. Starc also should have bagged Keacy Carty on 1 but Cameron Green spilled the catch at gully. That was the 10th dropped catch in the match and Australia's third. Hazlewood changed ends and had immediate success by dismissing John Campbell, scooping badly and gloving to wicketkeeper Carey, and Brandon King, caught above the 1.98-meter Green's head, in successive balls. When captain Roston Chase gave Konstas another catch at short leg, West Indies was 49-4 in 13 overs. Carty used his one life to reach 20 when he tried defending Hazlewood and lost his off stump. Shai Hope, the leading West Indies run-scorer in the first innings, faced 21 balls for 2 until his off stump was hit by a low shooter from Pat Cummins. Alzarri Joseph, yet to score, was then slow coming from the non-striker's end and run out by a throw from substitute fielder Marnus Labuschagne. Jomel Warrican's edge behind gave Hazlewood his 13th test five-for and second in the Caribbean, 10 years after the first. Greaves and Shamar Joseph frustrated Australia with lusty strokes but Nathan Lyon ended the joyride in his second over of the innings. ___ AP cricket:
News.com.au
5 days ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Australian bowling attack saves batsmen's blushes as cricket world all says same thing
Australia's pace attack has once again come to the rescue and put the Aussies firmly in control of the first Test against West Indies. Paceman Josh Hazlewood ripped through the Windies top order on Saturday morning (AEDT) taking four wickets, with Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins taking one apiece, as the hosts crawled to 7-86, as of 7.30am AEDT. The Windies still require 215 more runs to win, a tall task from here. West Indies vs. Australia Test & T20I Series | Watch every ball LIVE with ESPN, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. 'They are playing good as always. It's like a broken record these days watching the Australian bowling attack,' former Australian cricketer Greg Blewett said in commentary for Kayo. 'They're so experienced and so clinical. 'After a really good session here on Day 3, they can freshen up overnight and they'll be ready to go to knock over the West Indies in the morning. 'They also share it around really well. This time it's Josh Hazlewood. Good figures.' The incredible performance of Hazlewood and the Aussie pace attack, covered over the cracks of what was another dismal display from the Aussie batsmen. On Day 2, Sam Konstas failed again making just 5 off 38 balls as his Test average through six games sits at just above 20. Khawaja (15) and Inglis (12) also fell cheaply in the second innings. Inglis was sent packing for 12 after leaving a delivery from Jayden Seales that nipped in and crashed into off stump. Cameron Green also struggled again in his new No. 3 role, out for just 15. Safe to say him slotting in at No. 3, has not been the instant success Australian selectors would have hoped for. Since coming back into the team he has scores of 4, 0, 3 and 15. He also dropped a regulation chance on Day 3, as his Test nightmare continued. You can watch Cam Green's howler in the player at the top of the page. Australian pace attack ageing out While for now the likes of Starc, Hazlewood and Pat Cummins can come to the rescue, all three are deep in their 30s and will likely retire in the coming years. And the two waiting in the wings after impressing at Shield level, Scott Boland and Michael Neser, are 35 and 34 respectively. That leaves a worrying abyss when the trio calls time on their illustrious careers. But while the three-pronged attack will likely end in the years to come, fans are soaking it in while they still can. 'The Australian pace attack is the best in the business,' one fan wrote. '37 35 34 32 is the age of Lyon, Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins. Too old to be continuing much longer? However, they do have 553, 389, 283 and 302 test wickets equalling 1527 in total. Insane,' another added. While a third said: 'Thank god for the quicks'.
