Following Australia's performance on Day 3 of the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa, cricket legends Matthew Hayden and Dale Steyn have voiced their surprise and disappointment at the team's defensive tactics. The pair believe Australia missed crucial opportunities to put South Africa under pressure, particularly with South Africa chasing a target of 282 runs.
Australia had a strong grip on the game after securing early wickets, leaving South Africa at 70 for 2. However, the momentum shifted dramatically as Temba Bavuma, despite battling a visible hamstring injury, and Aiden Markram forged an impressive unbeaten partnership of 143 runs. This remarkable stand took South Africa to 213 for 2 at the end of the day, needing just 69 more runs to clinch a historic Test victory and their first ICC trophy.
Hayden expressed his bewilderment at Australia's approach, stating that their "defensive mindset was baffling." He emphasized that after dismissing Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder, Australia had South Africa "on the ropes" and should have capitalized on the situation. Hayden pointed out the absence of key aggressive field placements, such as catching covers and close-in fielders, which he felt were essential to create opportunities for wickets. He argued that an attacking approach could have forced a mistake from Bavuma, potentially changing the course of the game.
Steyn, known for his aggressive style of play, echoed Hayden's sentiments, expressing surprise at the "lack of attacking fields." He emphasized the importance of using positions like short cover and short midwicket, especially when the ball is keeping low. Steyn felt that Australia's tactics didn't challenge the batsmen enough, allowing them to settle and build their partnership. He asserted that Australia missed the chance to pounce on Bavuma, place aggressive catchers, and force an error. Steyn was quoted as saying "You can't defend a WTC title like that — you have to bowl teams out.”
Several sources highlight that Australia's captain, Pat Cummins, has come under specific criticism for his field placements and overall strategy. The decision to move fielders to deep positions to prevent boundaries, while seemingly a safe tactic, allowed Bavuma and Markram to comfortably accumulate runs with singles and doubles. This passive approach stood in stark contrast to the aggressive, wicket-taking mindset that many expected from the Australian team.
Ultimately, both Hayden and Steyn agreed that Australia's failure to maintain pressure and seize key moments allowed South Africa to gain control of the match. They felt that a more proactive and aggressive strategy, particularly in the early stages of Bavuma and Markram's partnership, could have yielded different results. With South Africa now within touching distance of victory, the spotlight is on Australia to regroup and produce a remarkable fightback on the final day.
