Australia captain Pat Cummins admits it is hard to “paper over the cracks” after a heavy second test defeat to South Africa, with the futures of at least three players now in doubt.
The tourists lost by an innings and 31 runs at St George’s Park in Gqeberha on Thursday, leaving the three-test series level at 1-1 ahead of the decider in Cape Town next week.
A dismal batting display
Australia were bowled out for 99 in their first innings. They then managed 295 in the second. The only real bright spots came from Travis Head, who scored a superb 121, and nightwatchman Scott Boland, whose defiant 40 off 166 balls frustrated the home attack.
The manner of the defeat drew harsh criticism back home. Headlines ranged from “horror show” to “shambolic Aussies” and “brutal failures laid bare”.
Cummins calls for a response
Cummins acknowledged the scale of the problem. “Clearly need to be a lot better than that if we want to compete,” he said.
He also suggested that defeat can serve a purpose. “I think a loss can sometimes kick you into gear. You can maybe paper over the cracks sometimes in a win. Whereas I think in a loss, it makes you ask questions as a player of yourself.”
Under-pressure players
Several players face uncertain futures for the third test. The most high-profile concern is Marnus Labuschagne, who has gone three years without a test century. The No 3 has been getting starts but failing to convert them.
“He’s actually doing the hard bit, he’s getting to 30,” Cummins said. “I think he’s got to find a way to turn those into bigger scores – 30s aren’t going to win you many matches. So, again, we’ll work on that in the next couple of days. It’s one test match left in the series, we’ve got to win this.”
Recently recalled opener Nic Maddinson is also on shaky ground. He scored 0, 48, 0 and 8 across the first two tests, while all-rounder Beau Webster also appears vulnerable.
Selection options
Cameron Green is expected to be available for Cape Town after an injury kept him out of the first two tests. Josh Inglis is also fit, and Cooper Connolly is another option.
Boland came into the side at Gqeberha in place of spinner Nathan Lyon. His batting efforts and a five-wicket haul in the first innings make him difficult to omit. The Cape Town pitch will also play a major role in the decision, as it will determine whether Australia again select four seamers or bring Lyon back.
Cummins accepted that tough calls lie ahead. “That’s the challenge. Do you give someone one more game, or do you feel like now is the right time to make a move?” he said. “Does it feel like someone’s just about to turn the corner, and they’re going to be away, or does it now feel like the right time for a change-up?”