Australia’s bowling plans have been adjusted following all-rounder Cameron Green’s injury, which ruled him out for the entire home season. Green sustained an injury during the England tour and has opted for surgery, leaving Australia short of an all-rounder.
His absence presents challenges for the team’s balance, especially in bowling. While Australia still has Mitchell Marsh as a pace-bowling all-rounder, his recent bowling contributions have been limited. The burden of maintaining the bowling attack now rests heavily on Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, with rotation a key focus.
The Role of Rotation and Backup Pacers
The Australian team has a backup pool of pacers, including Scott Boland and Michael Neser, which gives them some flexibility. However, without Green, the frontline bowlers must share the workload.
Starc acknowledged how losing a key all-rounder affects the team dynamic, likening Green’s absence to that of England’s Ben Stokes. “It will always change the dynamic when you take a genuine allrounder like a Cameron Green, or with England when you take a Ben Stokes, out,” Starc explained.
He pointed out that such players bring an extra bowling option, and their absence disrupts the routine that teams become accustomed to.
Adjusting to the New Dynamic
Despite the challenges, Starc is optimistic about the team’s ability to cope. He recalled the previous series where Australia played without an all-rounder, highlighting how the frontline bowlers had to take on more responsibility.
“It’s not completely foreign. We’ve had series in the past where we haven’t had an allrounder at all. We’ve had to take some of that workload, and Gaz [Nathan Lyon] has probably had to bowl a bit extra as well,” Starc said.
Looking ahead, Starc is preparing for the 2024-25 Sheffield Shield clash against Victoria, where he will join national teammates Steve Smith and Nathan Lyon in representing New South Wales.
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