The highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series presents a fascinating tactical puzzle for India’s batting lineup as Australia appears to be taking a more ‘calculated approach’ to their pace bowling strategy. Recent comments from Josh Hazlewood suggest a departure from last summer’s all-out pace assault, indicating a more nuanced battle ahead for India’s batters.
Australia’s shifting strategy
Unlike their approach in 2023-24, where the “big three” of Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, and Mitchell Starc featured in all seven Tests against Pakistan, West Indies, and New Zealand, Australia is likely to adopt a more flexible rotation policy. This strategic shift, influenced by the demanding schedule of a gruelling five Tests, could present both challenges and opportunities for India’s batting lineup. “We did it last year, but it was probably a one-off,” said Hazlewood, with the first Test getting underway from November 22 in Perth.
“You’ve just got to take it as it comes as it’s not like T20 or one-day where you know you’re going to bowl 10 (overs), you know you’re going to bowl four – it’s like, you could bowl 50 overs, you could bowl 25 so there’s really no point in planning for it. If you’re fit to play, play and if you’re not, you don’t play,” Josh Hazlewood said as per Western Australia.
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The ‘Cameron Green’ Factor
The absence of all-rounder Cameron Green due to back surgery adds another dimension to Australia’s bowling plans. While this might seem to increase the workload on the primary pace trio, it could actually lead to more tactical variety in Australia’s approach. Someone like Scott Boland or Michael Nesser will be included in the setup. Moreover, this also offers an opportunity to some like Lance Morris, who clocks up speed north of 150. The situation might force Australia to mix up their combinations, potentially bringing in a variety of options who have dominated in domestic circuit as well.
Scott Boland to pose threat!
With five Test matches, Scott Boland’s inclusion could add a layer of complexity to India’s batting lineup. He has a stellar record, especially in Australia. Despite playing just six matches in Australia, he has already bagged 28 wickets at an improbable bowling average of 12.21. He has done well against India as well, taking 5 wickets at an economy of 2.62. He will be the first one to get into the Australian playing XI on the occasion of when the side rests anyone of Hazlewood, Starc or Cummins.
Looking Ahead
With the series starting November 22 in Perth, India’s batting think-tank faces the challenge of preparing for multiple scenarios. While Australia’s rotation policy might prevent Indian batters from facing a full-strength pace attack in every Test, it also means they’ll need to contend with fresh, well-rested bowlers throughout the series.
