Former Australian captain Steve Waugh disagrees with the national team’s decision not to field a spin bowler for the fourth Ashes test at Old Trafford. Steve Waugh said that the pitch at Old Trafford works for the spin bowlers and Australia’s bowling lacks variety. They dropped off-spinner Todd Murphy from their playing 11 to make room for an extra all-rounder in Cameron Green. Todd Murphy played in the Headingley Test and took one wicket, but did not play a significant role as the pitch did not provide much spin.
Speaking to SEN Radio on Thursday, Steve Waugh felt England has been attacking the bowler aggressively which is why Australia needed variety in their attack.
“I tend to disagree with it. I think it’s a mistake, particularly in Manchester where the ball does turn. I know they’re probably looking at the forecast and saying there’s a bit of rain around, but you do need variation in the attack. Particularly with the way England plays. They go at the bowlers really hard and we’ve got four right-arm quick bowlers so there’s a bit of sameness about our attack.”
Apart from Pat Cummins and Michell Starc, the visitor lacked consistency, in the third test match with Scott Boland going without taking a wicket at Heaadingley, Josh Hazelwood has replaced him from playing 11 for Old Trafford. Cameron Green and Mitchell Marsh provide them with additional fast-bowling options.
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Australia Does Not Expect the Old Trafford Wicket to Spin Too Much;
Marnus Labuschagne, who was Australia’s top scorer on Day 1 at Old Trafford, feels the wicket will not spin too much once the grass is removed.
“I think it’s one of those wickets where I think because the wicket’s been under cover for a few days, it didn’t have that really rock hardness and the thatchiness of the grass (helped) spinning, So I think once that wears off, I think the middle of the wicket is going to actually not spin so much.
With the fourth test of Ashes ending on 299-8 on the first day, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins will be expected to bat for as long as possible.
