Michael Atherton warns Australia face an "implosion" before the Ashes series. Australia's batting troubles deepened after a 2-1 Test series loss to South Africa, where the team was rolled for 99 and 111. Marnus Labuschagne looks set to be dropped after going 49 innings without a Test century.
Selectors are under pressure after persisting with Labuschagne and recalling Nic Maddinson, who scored just 56 runs in four knocks. A generational but aging bowling attack must navigate a busy schedule including New Zealand, India, and a 150th anniversary Test against England. England sees Australia's travails as a chance to "keep the pressure on" during a white-ball tour.
The tour comprises three ODIs and five T20Is. Australia will rest pace stars Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Pat Cummins, but several Test players including Travis Head and Alex Carey may feature. Atherton suggests pressure on selectors following the Labuschagne decisions could trigger a backlash from past players, similar to events during the Ashes in Perth last year.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing