Although Australia managed to win the Border Gavaskar Trophy after a decade there were concerns about the age of the players. When the team played the XI in Sydney the age group of the players was at the lower end of the spectrum. When Sam Konstas was 19 years old all the band members were over 30 years old.
“There is not a single player in their 20s in that team. He has one who is 19 and the rest are over 30. That will be the next challenge for this Australian team. That will be the next challenge for this Australian team, not only for the Australian team, but for Australian cricket is to bring in this new group of young players. There are not many opportunities that present themselves,” said Ricky Ponting speaking to the ICC.
The team made its debut for the 25-year-old Nathan McSweeney in Perth, however, he struggled against Jasprit Bumrah and was ruled out of the Boxing Day Test. As Australia has already qualified for the final of the World Test Championship, Pointing can suggest that a change in the team can be started against Sri Lanka and the West Indies.
“We have a trip to Sri Lanka, then the West Indies before the Ashes next summer. If they want to bring in young players, it might start in Sri Lanka and the West Indies. And when you bring young players on the Sri Lanka tour, that’s not going to be an easy place for anyone to start.”
However, apart from Usman Khawaja other batsmen have managed to come in at different times for the hosts in the series. Players like Mitchell Marsh, who did not have any points to speak of, were removed from the team in the Sydney Test and 31-year-old Beau Webster was also added, who played an excellent game. Like bowling when Josh Hazlewood was injured, players like Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Scott Boland and Nathan Lyon did well.
Discover the Benefits of Our Subscription!
Stay informed with access to award-winning journalism.
Avoid misinformation with reliable, accurate reporting.
Make smart decisions with important details.
Choose your subscription package