5 things that Australia should do to overcome their spin woes

The shambolic record of Australia in Asia has been well documented over the years. The fact that the team has lost 9 straight Tests in Asia is a proof that Australia have struggled to face spin and there have no visible developments made as far as selection process and managing resources are concerned.

In the just concluded Test match series against Sri Lanka, the apathy of the Australian batsmen was so evident that it became difficult to comprehend where Australia can go from here. And the fact that they have to tour India next year further complicates matters for them.

There have been clarion calls made to change the approach adopted for selecting teams for the subcontinent and that players should be selected according to conditions.

Here in this list, we take a look at 5 options which can be looked into by Australia which will help them overcome their spin woes.

#1 Identifying players cut out to play spin

Here the onus lies on the selectors, as it is their job to identify talent and then groom them accordingly. The side which toured Sri Lanka consisted of 6 players who were in the squad for the entire summer season in Australia. Thus, while these players flourished on the true surfaces in Australia, they were thoroughly exposed on the turners in Sri Lanka.

This policy needs to be looked into. Also, it is not as if this will be a radical shift in the selection policies. Australia have resorted to this approach earlier too, and the current coach Darren Lehmann was one of them as he made his debut in India in 1998 then played crucial roles in series wins in Pakistan and India, but was omitted from the squad as the selectors picked more proficient players against pace were picked for the home series.

#2 Making bold selections as far as spin bowlers are concerned

Adam Zampa should have been roped in

When Stephen O'Keefe was injured in the first Test match, Australia opted to draft in Jon Holland as his replacement. While Holland was an honest trier he never looked threatening, and never looked the part.

Many believed that they missed a chance to rope in Adam Zampa, the young leg-spinner who has been in decent form with the white ball. Also, Zampa was in good bowling form and made great use of the helpful conditions.

Apart from this, he could have formed a potent combination with Nathan Lyon. This is just a template, and Australia should make bold decisions and should look to invest in the future, even if it means taking some off-field pronouncements.

#3 Cultural shift is needed

More spinners in grade cricket is needed

If we rummage through the ecosystem of the Australian cricketing system, the lack of spinners is glaring, so much so that right from school cricket through to first grade, spinners are not deemed necessary.

This mentality needs a change because playing spin cannot be taught, it has to be imbibed right from the primitive stage, and sooner the youngsters are exposed to spin, things could improve.

We have so often seen that solutions are not that farfetched and minor tweaks are enough to overhaul the system, and this oversimplification is exactly what is needed for Australia. Just dissect the entire system and revamp the grassroots.

#4 Increased Asian exposure

More tours to Asia is needed

It is very easy to sit back and dictate terms and suggest measures which revolve around the footwork while facing spinners. But then different batsmen have different techniques to combat the turning ball. A Virender Sehwag will come down and blast bowlers, while a VVS Laxman will use his wrists and reach to manoeuvre the ball. Thus, there are no set guidelines to play the turning ball.

Thus, the Australian management should be more willing to send their players to Asia and then allow to understand their own game and come up with ways and means to combat spin. If the flight and path of the ball can be deciphered, half the battle is won and this can only be achieved if the batsmen put in the hard grind on sluggish surfaces.

Not only for the batsmen, the bowlers have to identify the length and the pace with which they bowl, for wicket-taking lengths vary from nation to nation and this balance should be studied and incorporated in the system.

#5 Pitches back home and roping in Asian experts

The nature of pitch at the SCG should be maintained

Adelaide Oval and the Sydney Cricket Ground are two grounds which have pitches that assist slow bowling, and their nature should not be meddled around with during the domestic matches. Allow the spinners and the batsmen to figure out a way to tackle the available resources.

Also, there is no dearth of foreign Asian players who have donned the hats of mentors and coaches and their help should be taken. To be fair to Cricket Australia, they have started venturing out along the same lines, but at the same time, they should be patient with their approach, for any change takes time coming.