Pucovski in doubt and flagging bowling unit might require new blood
AUSTRALIA’S assault on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has hit a numbing flashpoint.
Will Pucovski is under an injury cloud and there are fears the mighty pace attack may have to be broken up.
Names such as Marcus Harris and Michael Neser, who were nowhere near contention for the Gabba Test, have suddenly bolted into contention for stunning call-ups for the series decider.
Debutant opener Pucovski went for scans on Monday after injuring his shoulder while diving to save a boundary in the field.
The 22-year-old gutsed it out initially, but soon left for treatment and eventually left the SCG for further examination. Cricket Australia will provide an update on Pucovski on Tuesday.
The fourth Test starts on Friday, giving Pucovski precious little time to recover.
Australia could be forced into its third opening combination for the series if Harris, who hasn’t played a match in more than a month, comes into calculations.
There are also concerns about Australia’s pace bowling attack being able to back up for another Test after a gruelling day in which the quicks were forced to break their backs attempting to dislodge India’s defiant batsmen.
Mitchell Starc had two catches dropped off his bowling but at stages looked a shadow of the player who can be among the most damaging in world cricket, seemingly down on energy as the shadows lengthened at the SCG on Monday.
The mighty left-armer was down on pace, hovering in the mid-130km/h range at times, and lacked any penetration when confronted with India’s stonewallers.
Starc bravely kept charging in and when he did finally get the edge of Hanuma Vihari, it was put down by captain Tim Paine.
Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were forced to bowl upwards of 30 overs for the final innings, and for the first time this summer coach Justin
Langer may have to consider going to his fast bowling bullpen for assistance.
However, in a major blow, James Pattinson is unlikely to be available for selection after a freak lawn-mowing accident at his property around New Year injured his ribs.
Pattinson would have been next in line, particularly if an attacking weapon like Starc was rested, but now selectors may have to seriously consider uncapped debutants Neser and Sean Abbott.
Selectors will be reluctant to change a winning line-up, particularly when Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood have been so brilliant all series.
But a four-Test campaign takes its toll.
Queenslander Neser could be the favourite if a bowling change is made given his experience and wicket-taking success at the Gabba.