With Australia’s two best batsman sidelined, it’s the world’s best attack which is picking up the slack

WITH the fearsome Indian batting line-up — spearheaded by the world’s No.1 batsman, Virat Kohli, Australia’s quicks are entitled to feel the pressure. But they’re used to dealing with it.

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THE moment Steve Smith and David Warner were banned for 12 months, all eyes turned, not to their replacements, but to Australia’s pace cartel.

There is a feeling that losing the world’s two best batsmen will only amplify the pressure on arguably the world’s best fast bowling attack to take on an even greater burden.

Spearhead Mitchell Starc concedes there will be more responsibility for he, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins but that doesn’t mean a change in approach.

Australia's bowling attack of Josh Hazlewood (L), Nathan Lyon (2/L), Mitchell Starc (2/R) and Pat Cummins (R). Picture: AFP

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Starc and Hazlewood have been playing together since the under 17s and Cummins is another quick NSW born and bred.

Spinner Nathan Lyon, also from the Premier State, assumes the fourth seat at the table for dinner on tour.

Great mates: Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon share a hug. Picture: Brett Costello

The backseat of the Australian team bus is always reserved for the bowling attack and Starc says the inseparable relationship they share will only help them tackle the biggest challenge of their careers.

“When we are not playing cricket we seem to spend a lot of time together off the field as well,” said Starc.

“I’ve known Josh for 12 years and we’ve all come up together through NSW into the Australian team.

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“Yes (there’s more responsibility) but we’re not going to treat it any differently.

“When you’re missing two guys who have played as much cricket as Dave and Steve, it’s a big gap to fill.

“We are missing a big chunk of our runs and experience but one thing that JL (Justin Langer) has said is it’s not about the labels of leadership that determine whether you’re a leader or not.”

Many good judges have already declared that the combination of Starc, Hazlewood and Cummins might one day rival McGrath, Lee and Gillespie.

Jason Gillespie (L) and Glenn McGrath were a fearsome pace duo — but is the current crop even better? Picture: Getty

Each bowler brings something subtly different to the table and complement each other’s blazing strengths.

Leadership didn’t need to be their priority before, but it will be now — especially with Hazlewood’s ascension to the vice-captaincy.

“I suppose the four bowlers are probably just about the four most experienced players in the team so everyone has got to step up and fill the roles of Davey and Smithy and Bangers (Cameron Bancroft),” said Cummins.

“It’s probably a pretty natural role. Especially someone like Nathan and Josh who have played quite a bit. They’re natural-born leaders around the group.

“The four of us get on really well and we leave our egos at the door.

“We really do bowl in partnerships and what that means is if someone is attacking down one end we’re more than happy to just play the real boring role down the other end for them.

“I feel like we’re all getting better and when we all click, hopefully that’s still ahead of us.”

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Originally published as With Australia’s two best batsman sidelined, it’s the world’s best attack which is picking up the slack