In Ashes 2019, Aussies have faced a massive shock after Steve Smith is ruled from the series. Smith was doing fantastic and in full form in England’s condition. Australia was already leading at Edgbaston by 1-0. There, Smith scored 144 and 142.
At Lord’s, they were following up, but the unexpected happened and Smith was ruled out as the concussion was quite serious. Now, Australia has to try really hard to remain a dominant side in this year’s Ashes 2019. If they can draw the match, then there will be chances to do something better in Leeds. In this present health condition, Smith is unfit to play there and this is a very good opportunity for England. Smith was one of the consistent performers, so it is a huge loss for Australia.
Now, let’s see who is there to take the lead and prove everyone that; Australia can still step forward with the absence of Smith, and stay on the top in this year’s Ashes series.
David Warner
Warner was banned for last the 12 months for a scandal of ball-tampering happened in South Africa. After the ban this is the first time, he is playing Test match. He is currently one of the best openers in the whole world. But the ex vice-captain is not able to perform very well like he used to be. His return is still not enjoyable.
Warner has an average of 46.9 in Test cricket. Still, he could not manage a handsome score in these four innings. Till now, his score is 2, 8, 3 and 5 which is highly disappointing. As smith is absent at the fourth position, the 32-year-old opener has to do much more.
Camron Bancroft
Australia was leading at the Smith’s enchanting performance since the beginning of the series. But the opener still cannot do well with this English condition. Warner was disheartening with his bat, but another player who was also back from the suspension is doing little a bit better. We are talking about Cameron Bancroft. Though the two matches, he scored higher than Warner but that’s not enough.
In this current condition, the expectation is much higher and he has the ability to do that just the way he did in the past.
For Durham, he performed really well when the rest of the team was away for the World Cup. But that performance is still not seen in the Test.
Tim Paine
Tim Paine is the present captain of Australian cricket team. But his leadership is raising questions, especially after the incident with Smith. People are not satisfied with him. Now is the high time to prove his worth. As Smith is already out of the team, he must do something to lead his team properly. And it can be started by hitting a good score with his bat.
His performance in the last four innings was really upsetting. Australia needs it’s captain and his score. England is preparing really well with all their weapons to attack fiercely. So, Paine must be prepared to face that and save his team with a better result.
More
Marnus Labuschagne is the replacement of Steve Smith, as he had to leave due to head injury while facing a delivery of pace bowler Jofra Archer. He scored 100-ball 59 at Lord’s which was really great.
Everyone is hoping that he will continue his performance in Leeds and fulfill the lacking of Smith. Still, Australia is in need of more powerful batsman for doing the damage control. To stand a chance to win this year’s Ashes series.
Usman Khawaja whose career average is41.4, scored 13, 40, 36 and 2 in the last four innings. Travis Headhaving an average of 59.9 did 35, 51, 7 and 42. Matthew Wade’s score was 1, 110, 6 and 1. Everyone can do the wonder to fill the space of Smith and face Jofra Archer pace.
