How will the Australian Test team fair this summer?

Phil Hughes - How will his death impact team performance?

Source:www.9news.com.au

The Australian Cricket Team would have had to do some soul searching after their tour against Pakistan in the UAE in October & November. They were outplayed by the Pakistanis in all areas of the game and were comprehensively beaten 2-0 as a result. The poor performance was highlighted by the efforts of New Zealand just a few weeks later against Pakistan where the three match series was tied 1-1 and New Zealand finished the better of the two teams. (However there could be an argument for suggesting that Pakistan may have slightly taken the foot of the pedal against the Kiwis.)

This is now insignificant given the unfortunate incident in a Sheffield Shield match at the SCG on November 25, 2014. In this match, Phil Hughes was felled by a Sean Abbott bouncer and never regained consciousness before passing away two days later. Hughes would have turned 26 three days after his death and it is always saddening to see someone pass away at a young age.

Hughes death has resulted in the Australian Test summer being changed around, the Brisbane test was moved back to December 17, the Adelaide test was brought forward to December 9 and now becomes the first test. This test will be tough for the Aussies as they come to grips with Hughes’ death. Cricket Australia have given the players the choice of playing or not and I believe that it will be more beneficial for them to play.

Australia's opponents this summer are India, who has a poor track record away from home. However this time around it may be closer than people think. For me, playing the first test in Adelaide provides India with an opportunity to grab a draw and set them up for the remainder of the series. The players have had a long preparation time in Adelaide and this will put them in good stead for that test and consequently the rest of the summer.

Normally the first test is in Brisbane and the Australians are able to take advantage of a pitch with good bounce when bowling and it is a place that once you are set at the crease then runs will flow. Australia has not lost at the Gabba since 1988 and this usually provides a good psychological advantage for the rest of the summer. But will that change if the Australians lose the first test in Adelaide especially in the wake of the tragic events of recent times?

The Adelaide pitch is more docile, but offers good reward to those who are willing to put in the effort. Players are able to score runs quickly with the short square boundaries. However the pitch will turn on the fourth and fifth days and games in Adelaide generally last the full five days. Therefore India will be more confident going into a first test in Adelaide rather than a first test in Brisbane.

The third and fourth tests are in Melbourne and Sydney respectively. Australia has won 13 out of the last 15 in Melbourne and 17 out of the last 20 in Sydney which are both imposing records. Given India’s poor form away it would appear that these tests should go in Australia’s favour. However Australia played poorly in the UAE and we are unsure how the death of Phil Hughes will impact on team performance this summer.

Essentially, I think the four test series will be 2-0 in favour of Australia with wins in Brisbane and Melbourne and draws in Adelaide and Sydney. This will be a good result for Australia in what is expected to be a tough summer for the national side.