India, Australia, and England have revolutionised the way Test cricket is played and with the Border-Gavaskar trophy approaching, Mark Taylor has a word of advice for Pat Cummins's men. Ahead of four-match Test series against India in February, the former Australian captain wants the team management to explore the option of playing with four bowlers in the final Test against South Africa.
With a 2-0 lead, the final Test against South Africa gives the Australians scope for experiments. The Australian side will travel to India in February and will play four Tests that will eventually decide the other finalist for WTC. The India vs Australia final is all but confirmed but the Border-Gavaskar trophy will decide the outcome.
With a dead rubber set to begin from Wednesday, Taylor wants Australia to explore further options. With Cameroon Green and Mitchell Starc ruled out he believes that Australia can try a few changes in their approach. "They've got an opportunity in Sydney to try a few things. I know people say you shouldn't try things in Test matches, but with Cameron Green not playing, I'd like to see Alex Carey bat at six and Australia pick five bowlers." he added.
He emphasised the option of exploring 5 bowlers and promoting Carey up the order leading to his exceptional run of form."
They can go all out attack with the ball and rely on their top five and Carey to make enough runs to win the Test match," Taylor was quoted as saying by Wide World of Sports.
Australia had a major blow with spearhead Mitchell Starc and young sensation Cameroon Green both getting injured in the second test. With Matthew Renshaw & Ashton Agar set to replace the duo, Mark Taylor believes Australia has enough step-in for the regular guys. He said - "I think with the bowling they've got there, with whoever those quicks are going to be, you've got enough guys there to take the 20 wickets. South Africa only just made 200 in the final innings in Melbourne for the first time in four Test matches, their batting is very gettable at the moment."
"So I'd be looking to attack with the ball and back yourselves in to make enough runs with only five specialist batters," Taylor added.
With Australia leading the WTC points table, their spot in the finals is guaranteed. With India in the second spot, they are the in the mix of things and will be looking to seal the place with a convincing win against the table toppers. If everything works India's way, The Border-Gavaskar trophy could very well be the preview of the WTC finals.
