Australia ponder Ashes bowling options to counter England’s rapid batting

A “bowl dry” strategy served Australia’s men well during their last Ashes in England and, but for Tim Paine’s lamentable decision to ask the hosts to bat first in the Oval finale, it may well have resulted in their first series win on these shores since 2001.

There is an acceptance things will be different this time around, however, as the tourists swiftly park their delight at victory in the World Test Championship final on Sunday and turn attentions to Friday, day one of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston, and an England side that bats like the clappers.

Over the past two years Australia’s bowling attack has conceded 2.9 runs per over, a figure in line with the 2019 Ashes campaign when Mitchell Starc – an attacking but profligate left-armer – was forced to wait until the fourth Test at Old Trafford and the control of Peter Siddle and James Pattinson largely preferred by the management.

But against India at the Oval, where the sun beat down and the outfield was lightning fast, they went at 3.97 runs per over – Starc’s personal economy rate was 5.3 – and may well see this rise further in the coming weeks; under Ben Stokes, England have scored at 4.85 runs per over, a figure unrivalled in Test history and central to a run of 11 wins in 13 outings.

“Most of our bowlers went at above what they’d usually go and we’ve just got to get our heads around that the tempo will be slightly different [against England],” said Andrew McDonald, Australia’s head coach, after his side’s triumph at the Oval.

“Mitch went for a bit more than the others – he generally does – but they complement each other really well. His wicket-taking ability is second to none. We’ve got to weigh all that up. But it’s not a concern. We know what we’re in for