Australia ponder unveiling spin trio of their own for next year's India tour
After suffering their ninth consecutive Test loss on Asian soil, Australia are considering an expansion in the spin bowling department as a grueling tour to India arrive on the horizon early next year.
Understandably disappointed with his team's 0-3 whitewash at the hands of Sri Lanka in the recently completed series, head coach Darren Lehmann admitted that their thinking needs to shift in order to compete on turning tracks.
He felt, “The difference is we've got to change in the subcontinent. Results will say that with India, UAE and now Sri Lanka. We've got to change the way we pick and shape up the squad for a subcontinent (tour). We have to look at all different angles, I suppose. The shape-up of the side – whether you need one quick, two quicks, three quicks, all-rounders, and see how we play.”
One of Australia’s biggest concerns will be in deciding their spin combination after Nathan Lyon’s middling performance throughout the series. While Steve O’Keefe’s hamstring injury ruled him out of the last two Tests, his replacement Jon Holland could only manage five wickets at an average of 54.80.
With the likes of Adam Zampa, Ashton Agar, and Fawad Ahmed coming into the frame, the visitors might bring in more than two spinners since pitches in India are likely to turn square from the outset to support the home team’s menacing spin troika.
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However, Lehmann directed most of the blame on Australia’s batsmen for succumbing to the wiles of Sri Lanka’s slow bowlers and making the same mistakes continuously on abrasive surfaces.
The 46-year old bellowed, “It certainly hasn't worked the way we've played. We think we've had the right balance but our batters haven't made enough runs. It's pretty simple. When you look at (Sheffield) Shield cricket, it's very hard to determine who's going to be a good player of spin and not on Australian wickets. So for us, somehow we've got to find a way.”
He added, “We've underperformed. But, all we're worried about is actually the next match and learning from the mistakes you made. A lot of people will say we didn't learn well enough this series and you can't argue with that with the results.”
Calling for an honest introspection after losing their number one Test ranking, Lehmann declared, “We're obviously reviewing every day and at the end of the game. That's a process you always do regardless of the result, whether you win or lose. It is only a game, but still, that hurts. We should be reasonably embarrassed by our performance in this series and that's ok.”
Australia will be seeking a strong comeback when their home season gets underway with a 3-Test series each against South Africa and Pakistan before embarking on the demanding 4-Test tour to India during February/March 2017.