Mark Taylor has pointed out the “problem” with the latest five-wicket haul from Mitchell Starc as the Aussies look to get back on top at the Gabba.
Starc claimed figures of 6-71 on the opening day and could very well grab a seventh wicket when play resumes this afternoon.
However, the other four bowlers – Michael Neser, Brendan Doggett, Scott Boland and Cameron Green – couldn’t have the same impact.
According to the former Test skipper, the absence of Nathan Lyon was the wrong call by selectors and his off-spin would have made a difference in Brisbane.
“Mitchell Starc has continued to get better and better,” Taylor told Nine’s Today.
Mitchell Starc Getty
“You don’t often say that about a fast bowler when they get into their mid-30s, but he’s got more control and some lovely subtle variations.
“The only problem Australia had was there’s a bit of a void between him and the next at the moment – no [Pat] Cummins, no [Josh] Hazlewood and surprisingly, no Nathan Lyon yesterday, which I think surprised all of us up in the press area.
“When you’ve got five fast bowlers and no spinners, that was a strange combination yesterday and they really missed Nathan Lyon’s bowling in those middle overs.
“The four right-arm fast bowlers in Neser, Boland, Green and Doggett took 2-249 between them yesterday. If your four fast bowlers can’t get the job done, five won’t.
“I was very surprised that Nathan Lyon didn’t play and that’s the second day-night Test match he has missed in a row, yet his record with the ball is very good.
“I think Australia missed a trick yesterday.”
Mark Taylor reacts to Nathan Lyon’s omission Getty/Nine