‘Scoring 30s are not going to win you many matches’: Cummins’ blunt take on Labuschagne
Sydney: Australia captain Pat Cummins has admitted that it would be difficult to "paper over the cracks" following his team's heavy defeat to South Africa in the second Test, with the places of at least three players under scrutiny ahead of the series decider.
Australia suffered an innings-and-31-run defeat at St George's Park in Gqeberha on Thursday, leaving the three-match series level at 1-1. The teams will now head to Cape Town for the decisive third Test next week.
The hosts' dominance exposed Australia's batting frailties. The visitors were bowled out for just 99 in their first innings before managing 295 in the second. Travis Head's outstanding 121 and nightwatchman Scott Boland's determined 40 off 166 balls were the few bright spots for Australia.
The emphatic defeat also attracted widespread criticism back home, with Australian media describing the performance in terms such as "horror show", "shambolic Aussies" and "brutal failures laid bare".
"Clearly need to be a lot better than that if we want to compete," Cummins said.
Reflecting on the defeat, the Australia captain acknowledged that losses could expose weaknesses that victories might conceal.
"I think a loss can sometimes kick you into gear. You can maybe paper over the cracks sometimes in a win. Whereas I think in a loss, it makes you ask questions as a player of yourself."
Labuschagne, Maddinson and Webster under pressure
As Australia prepare for the series decider, questions remain over the future of several players, particularly Marnus Labuschagne. The top-order batter has gone three years without scoring a Test century, intensifying scrutiny of his performances.
However, Cummins pointed out that Labuschagne had been getting starts, even if he had failed to convert them into substantial scores.
"He's actually doing the hard bit, he's getting to 30," Cummins said of number three Labuschagne.
"I think he's got to find a way to turn those into bigger scores -- 30s aren't going to win you many matches.
"So, again, we'll work on that in the next couple of days. It's one Test match left in the series, we've got to win this."
Opener Nic Maddinson, who was recently recalled to the side, is also facing uncertainty after recording scores of 0, 48, 0 and 8 across the first two Tests. All-rounder Beau Webster is another player whose place could be at risk.
Australia could have reinforcements available for the Cape Town Test, with Cameron Green expected to return after missing the first two matches through injury. Josh Inglis is also fit, while Cooper Connolly provides another selection option.
Boland, meanwhile, has strengthened his case to retain his place. Brought into the Gqeberha side in place of spinner Nathan Lyon, the pacer impressed with a five-wicket haul in the first innings and a valuable contribution with the bat.
Australia's bowling combination for the decider could depend on the conditions in Cape Town. The team must decide whether to persist with four seamers or bring Lyon back into the playing XI.
Cummins acknowledged that the selectors would face difficult decisions as they seek to bounce back and secure the series.
"That's the challenge. Do you give someone one more game, or do you feel like now is the right time to make a move?" he said.
"Does it feel like someone's just about to turn the corner, and they're going to be away, or does it now feel like the right time for a change-up?" (AFP)