Australia vs India: 3 Things we learnt from the 2nd ODI

#2 Australia no closer to solving their death bowling conundrum

Siddle has failed to impress so far

Australia decided to rest their premier fast bowlers for the ODI series against India after a grueling test series. Though people always knew they were going to miss the trio’s wicket-taking ability, it is their replacements’ inability to bowl at the death which has resulted in the Aussies scratching their heads.

At the SCG, the Australians didn’t have to worry about the end overs as they had the match effectively wrapped up by then. However, in the second ODI, they were put under severe pressure by an accomplished Indian batting and the hosts simply crumbled under strife.

Before the series, Siddle was looked upon as the bowler capable of handling the workload at the end. Yet, over the course of the last couple of games, he has barely bowled in that phase. Thus, suggesting that Finch just doesn’t trust his fellow Victorian.

Additionally, the likes of Behrendorff and Lyon and have rarely bowled in the last ten overs. At this juncture, the only bowlers in the squad capable of bowling at the death are Stoinis and Jhye Richardson, and having just a couple of bowlers adroit at delivering under the cosh is definitely not the recipe for success.

The Aussies have had to undergo wholesale changes due to certain transgressions by their stalwarts. Though their batting was always going to take time to come into its own, the death bowling is just making matters worse.

Australia still boast a splendid fast-bowling line-up but with the world cup just over 4 months away, they need to start blooding players according to the roles they are expected to play in England.

And if Australia let that aspect slip from their mind, their death bowling could just end up being the major factor why they will not defend their title.