A Third Test preview from Indore, Aussie coach Andrew McDonald, and New Zealand's amazing win in Wellington.
Looking back on that calamitous second Test in Delhi—or specifically the third morning—it seems like an eternity since the Australian cricketing public were left wondering what went wrong.
Players have been returning to Australia for any number of reasons; others sought the comforts of Dubai and beyond. And then the lieutenants were left to regroup, realign, take stock, and ultimately prepare for the third Test in Indore (I’m going to stay away from the Indore gags).
In retrospect, I wouldn't call it either a debacle or catastrophe. In truth, it was more of an opportunity missed. I had Australia in front for most of the previous six sessions, and only when the door was opened did they falter.
Before we get to Indore, if you can first pardon some indulgence. I would like to show some support for the Australian coaching staff, specifically Head Coach, Andrew McDonald.
I would say McDonald can still be considered a rookie in international coaching.
It's been a little over a year since he was appointed interim Head Coach, and just 10 months since he was officially given the job. Given that McDonald coaches all three formats, I would offer up a likely four-to-five-year cycle in his coaching tenure—assuming most things go according to plan, that is.
Also consider his team’s transition from a previously autocratically controlled one to a more autonomous one, with the majority of in-game decision-making now passed to the players.
Dare I say that it’s a team that might not take itself quite as seriously as those before it? I say that with the utmost respect, not wishing in any way to dilute the responsibility of playing Test cricket for Australia.
McDonald thinks methodically, he manages strategically, and most importantly, he allows himself to listen to what others have to say.
It was hard watching McDonald during his team’s two batting collapses; now that’s a lonely place, a place where the coach has no control over what’s happening in-game.
And then there is loyalty. McDonald seeks to forge trusting relationships in his dressing room. There is no triangulating, just straight-forward, honest conversations. Without trust, any coach is dead in the water.
Switching codes momentarily: Bill Belicheck, legendary coach of the New England Patriots in the NFL is someone who on face value you could question his longevity. He appears to openly berate his players; he’s not concerned with trading storied players out of his franchise; and he’s downright bloody grumpy.
But, above anything else, he is insanely protective of the roster he has available to him at that time.
Belicheck is loyal in the moment.
In Indore, I'm hoping to see a smiling McDonald!
SpeakingNick is a reader-supported venture. Free and paid versions are available. The best way to support me is by taking out a paid subscription.
Fortunately for those agonising over the lengthy hiatus between the second and third Tests, there was some welcome respite from one of world cricket’s most southerly outposts—The Basin Reserve, Wellington.
New Zealand and England played out an enthralling Test match, which, as we speak, has now been decided, with New Zealand winning by the narrowest of margins—one run!
Look at this way if you like:
New Zealand made 692 for 20, England 691 for 18 (declaring eight down in their first innings)
New Zealand batted 215 overs across both innings, England 161. Runs per over (RPO) comparison — New Zealand 3.21, and England 4.29
And a moment of celebration for Australian cricket fans; There have been only three occasions in Test cricket where a team that was forced to follow-on won the match. Incidentally, Australia lost all three matches, and England now join them.
Enjoying the read? If you feel like it, I’d love if you’d share this post with your friends! Or, if you received it from a friend, please forward to another.
It truly was an amazing Test match that had pretty much everything, including a continuation of batting dominance from the belligerent Harry Brook. The serenity of traditional batsmanship from Kane Williamson, and Joe Root. Both their cover driving against the pace bowlers was sublime. Nobody in world cricket, positions and transfers through the ball like Joe Root. Oh, and guess what, Harry Brook removed Williamson in the second innings!
New Zealand captain Tim Southee kept his side in the game early with a spirited rearguard innings of 73—totalling more sixes than fours. Their wicketkeeper, Tom Blundell, quietly went about his business again and had an excellent double of 38 and 90.
And New Zealand’s ageing warrior, Neil Wagner, picked himself up off the floor and delivered his own knockout blows in England’s second innings. Wagner removed Root, Ben Stokes, and finally Jimmy Anderson with a single to spare!
Anderson has long mocked himself as "The Burnley Lara." He was as animated as you will see him after feathering to Blundell to give New Zealand victory.
It really was an amazing finish to an extraordinary game. Instinct tells me there will have been many beverages consumed post game—on both sides of the aisle!
Back to Indore…
Australia should find themselves in a more familiar space when it comes to selecting the side. This is one variable that should not hamper preparations. The other is of course the pitch at Holkar Stadium, once again presenting as three different surfaces.
On selection, Mitchell Starc will be a welcome return for Australia, and Cameron Green is sure to give the team plenty with both bat and ball. I thought the visitors would maintain three spinners; however, it seems Todd Murphy might not have recovered sufficiently from a side injury. Scott Boland is set to come back into the lineup.
The pitch: How’s this from the Times of India: "The Holkar Stadium pitch is bald as a cue ball at the extremities, and there are two rather odd-looking rectangular patches around the left-hander’s off-stump at either end." Oh, and there’s live grass in the middle section!
India: Well they might pull the rug on KL Rahul in favour of young gun Shubman Gill—well they should, KL Rahul will come again.
Lastly, Steve Smith will lead Australia in Pat Cummins' enforced absence. We wish Pat and his family only good thoughts at this difficult time.
