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NEW DELHI: Australia are set to face India in the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. The first match is scheduled to begin on November 22 in Perth.
Australian batter Steve Smith has been reflecting on the challenges of batting in Test matches on home soil. Smith is known for his technical skills and consistency. He believes that changes in pitch conditions and alterations to the Kookaburra ball have made batting more difficult.
Statistics show that batting averages in Australia have declined since India’s victory in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The average batting score has fallen from 37.0 to 28.8, and the number of balls faced per wicket has decreased from 66.6 to 52.Test matches are also shorter now. The average number of overs per Test match has dropped from 347.1 to 279.4. This suggests that conditions in Australia have become more favourable for bowlers.
“The wickets were probably better back then, and the ball didn’t have as big a seam, which meant there were fewer good deliveries to get you out. Now, with grassier pitches and more pronounced seams, batters are more likely to face that unplayable ball every now and then. It’s certainly more challenging,” Smith was quoted as saying to The Sydney Morning Herald.
Smith also spoke about the confidence he felt earlier in his career. He recalled a conversation he had with coach Brad Haddin before the 2017 Ashes, when he had said: “They’re not going to get me out.”
Smith acknowledged that batting in Australia requires a different approach today.
“The game has flipped on its head in Australia. Between the early 2000s and 2018, pitches were more batter-friendly, but now the combination of grass on wickets and the newer balls has shifted the balance,” he added.
Smith remains confident in his ability to score runs.
Australian opener Usman Khawaja agrees with Smith’s assessment. He believes the transformation of the Kookaburra ball has had a significant impact on batting.
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“Ever since Kookaburra raised the seam and made the ball more oval, batting has been tougher. It’s not just in Tests, but in Shield cricket too. The ball now creates more divots and lasts longer, making it harder for batters,” Khawaja said.
Khawaja explained that bowlers benefit from the ball’s altered dynamics, even if they do not focus on swing bowling.
“Previously, green wickets flattened out quicker because the ball’s seam wasn’t as pronounced. Now, with the raised seam, the ball remains effective longer and makes batting a constant battle,” Khawaja added.
Australian pitches have become less predictable and more challenging for batters due to the changing conditions. Bowlers are enjoying the benefits of the raised seam and livelier surfaces. Smith and Khawaja believe it is important for batters to adapt to the evolving landscape.
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