McGrath says Australia lack the experience to adapt under tough conditions

FOLLOWING Australia’s shock loss to England at Edgbaston, Glenn McGrath says the Aussies have one job ahead of the next Test if they are to win.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 19: Josh Hazlewood, Mitch Marsh, and Mitchell Starc of Australia , speak with former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath during day four of the 2nd Investec Ashes Test match between England and Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground on July 19, 2015 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

FORMER Australian paceman Glenn McGrath has voiced his concern following the Aussies’ embarrassing defeat in the third Ashes Test at Edgbaston.

In an article written for The Telegraph, McGrath said Australia’s failure to modify their game for slow, English-style pitches led to their crushing defeats in the Cardiff and Edgbaston Tests.

“If the pitch at Trent Bridge this week is similar, then Australia have to adjust or it is over. They have played on two English-style pitches in this series and lost both Tests. They have a lot of work ahead, but can bounce back,” McGrath said.

McGrath attributed the difficulty Australia was having in adapting to the pitches largely to the fact that the side was not experienced in those particular playing conditions.

Australia’s bowlers have struggled to hit the right area of the pitch under challenging northern hemisphere conditions.

With the growth of the IPL in recent years, Australian players are less likely travel to the other side of the world to play county cricket when India is where the money lies.

This, combined with an increasingly busy Test schedule, has been detrimental in developing Australian players that are able to succeed on all pitch forms.

“The challenge for Australia now is to adapt. If you want to be a GREAT batsman, rather than just a GOOD batsman, then you have to score runs in these kinds of conditions. I was lucky the team I played in was exceptionally good at adjusting to alien environments,” McGrath said.

“The likes of Steve Waugh had played a lot over here and knew what was needed. The modern players do not get that opportunity due to IPL and other commitments with a packed international schedule.

“On these English pitches you have to hit the right length. Australia’s bowlers are naturally very attacking, but sometimes you need to adjust and simply hit the right areas, build up pressure and allow the natural variation in the pitch to do its job.”

Michael Clarke has spent too much of this Ashes series walking back towards the pavilion.

The 45-year-old also suggested Australia may see a number of changes made leading into the fourth Test, suggesting a possible change to the batting order which would see captain Michael Clarke pushed down the order.

“Michael Clarke needs runs but I just cannot see Australia changing the captain midway through a series. If they lose at Trent Bridge then who knows what could happen, but while the series is alive nothing is going to change with Clarke. I expect Shaun Marsh will come in and bat at four which would allow Clarke to go to five where he has done really well. Maybe if that happens we will see the old Clarke come out, especially if Marsh does well ahead of him,” McGrath said.

The ICC Hall of Famer made a point of commenting on the axing of Brad Haddin.

“He was a big player in that last series. He has had a fair bit going on in his family life but you like to see senior players, and guys who have a big impact within the team, go out on their own terms when they are ready.”