Australia captain Pat Cummins admits it will be 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 question.
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.
Australia were dismissed for just 99 in their first innings and then managed 295 in the second. Travis Head hit a superb 121, and nightwatchman Scott Boland defied the attack with an unbeaten 40 off 166 balls, the only real highlights of a difficult match.
The manner of the defeat drew harsh criticism back home, with headlines describing a “horror show,” “shambolic Aussies” and “brutal failures laid bare.”
“Clearly need to be a lot better than that if we want to compete,” Cummins said.
“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.”
Several Players Under Pressure
Heading into the third Test, several players face serious scrutiny. Chief among them is Marnus Labuschagne, who has gone three years without a Test century.
Cummins defended the No. 3 batter while calling for more.
“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 after scores of 0, 48, 0 and 8 across the first two Tests. Allrounder Beau Webster also appears vulnerable.
Selection Decisions Loom
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 offers another option.
Boland, who came into the side at Gqeberha in place of spinner Nathan Lyon, will be difficult to drop. His batting efforts and a five-wicket haul in the first innings strengthened his case.
The Cape Town pitch will play a major role in Australia’s decision. The selectors must choose whether to stick with four seamers or bring back Lyon.
Cummins acknowledged 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?”