'It looked insipid': Harsha Bhogle points out concerning issue for AUS ahead of 4th Test

In a thrilling encounter at Headingley, Australia suffered a three-wicket loss to England, leading to a renewed sense of competitiveness in the Ashes 2023 series. Australia's loss in the third Ashes Test has shed light on a significant concern for the team. As the Ashes series moves to Manchester for the fourth Test, Australia finds itself confronted with the task of addressing the concerns raised by experts. 

3 things you need to know

• England won the third Test in Headingley by 3 wickets to narrow Australia's lead
• Harsha Bhogle has highligted a major concern for the Aussies ahead of 4th Test
• Bhogle said while Marsh has been a positive, there was lack of support from Boland

Also Read: 'This Is Called Bazz-Ball': Netizens React To England's Thumping Victory In 3rd Ashes Test

Bhogle pinpoints concerning issue for Australia

Following Australia's narrow defeat in the third Ashes 2023 Test at Headingley, cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle has highlighted a concerning issue for the Australian team. Bhogle expressed his worries regarding Australia's lackluster support bowling, despite the positive performances of Mitchell Marsh, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins. The team's inability to extract substantial contributions from the likes of Scott Boland has raised alarms as they approach the crucial fourth Test.

The good news for Australia has been the batting of Mitch Marsh and the excellent form of Starc and Cummins. But the support bowling looked insipid. A lot of us thought Boland could be a game-changer but Australia are getting nothing from him.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 9, 2023

Despite standout performances from Mitchell Marsh with the bat and the consistent brilliance of Starc and Cummins, it was the inadequacy of the support bowling that caught Bhogle's attention.

Scott Boland, considered a potential game-changer, has failed to live up to expectations so far in the series. Bhogle's tweet expressed the disappointment felt by many cricket enthusiasts as Australia struggles to get valuable contributions from the bowling department beyond their key pacers. The lack of penetration and impact from the support bowlers has created a worrisome void in Australia's bowling lineup.

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Boland's underwhelming performances have not only affected Australia's ability to maintain pressure on the opposition but have also increased the burden on the leading bowlers, potentially impacting their overall effectiveness.

While Australia's leading pacers have shouldered their responsibilities admirably, the lack of support puts additional pressure on them to deliver match-winning performances consistently. The team management must strategize to find solutions that will enable the support bowlers to make a meaningful impact and relieve some pressure off the key pacers. This may involve exploring alternative options within the squad or providing additional guidance and support to the struggling bowlers.

Image: AP