Aussies set to unleash ‘big four’
The all-rounder has been wrecker-inchief for England in their series win over SSouth Africa and his form will be a major source of concern for all the other teams The 28-year old has a reputation of being a ‘Test-match specialist’, but his discipline and technique has made him into a valuable part of the batting line up in ODIs.
Australia are relishing the prospect of uniting their “big four” pace attack for the first time at the Champions Trophy -and sending a message to England ahead of the Ashes.
Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and James Pattinson are all fit and poised to bowl together given conducive conditions at the tournament in England and Wales.
In Australia they are seen as potentially the most potent pace quartet since the mighty West Indies teams of the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s. Injuries have prevented the strike bowlers from playing together in the same Australian squad and coach Darren Lehmann is licking his lips at the opportunity to let them loose.
“It’s the first time we’ve had the big four available,” Lehmann said. “It would be great to see them go at it and see how they go. They’re quality players and we’ve got a quality squad.” The Test captain is one of the most experienced members and the veteran wicketkeeper is a mainstay of his team’s middle order. ‘Killer Miller’ has made his name as one of the most destructive batsmen in the world and his performances vs England is a sign of his renewed confidence.
Injury-bedevilled Cummins is finally fit and playing consistent cricket for the first time in his career after overcoming a series of back stress fractures, while Pattinson has returned from shin and back injuries.
Starc, who has recovered from a foot injury that cut short his India Test tour in March, said The 25-year old was the first chinaman bowler to play for Sri Lanka and the tournament will be a perfect platform for him to establish himself on the global stage. he was excited by the prospect of combining with his fellow speedsters at the Champions Trophy.
“We’ve had our issues with injury but Patty’s (Cummins) only just turned 24 - I’m 27 and I’m the oldest - so we’ve still got plenty of time to wreak havoc on batsmen around the world,” Starc said. The left-arm pacer was a surprise star for MI in IPL 2017 and with the English conditions favouring his style of bowling, he will be an asset to the
Kiwis. The powerful opening batsman has proven himself in tournaments all around the world and he can be a good back-up to have for
England. His knack of taking crucial wickets and his effective batting performances at No. 7 has made him a crucial part of the England cricket team.