Justin Langer has used Australia’s crushing victory over Bangladesh to speak out against the growing number of Tests finishing within two days, calling the trend “unacceptable”.
The former Australia captain was speaking on SEN Radio after the Mackay Test. He said short matches hurt the sport in a number of ways, particularly for spectators and grassroots cricket.
Concern for the game
Langer noted that Cricket Australia puts significant money into the grassroots game, and that Tests ending early carry a financial cost. He also spoke of fans, children and other spectators who lose out when a match ends far sooner than expected.
He rejected the idea that pitches or excessive movement should automatically take the blame.
The technique question
In Langer’s view, the real issue is basic batting technique and footwork. Looking back at the Mackay match, he suggested many batters were dismissed because they did not commit the front foot properly, rather than because conditions were impossible.
His comments follow Australia’s third Test in their last seven to end inside two days.
Starc leads the collapse
Mitchell Starc took ten wickets in the match. Bangladesh were bowled out for 64 in their first innings, Australia made 210, and the visitors then managed 95, leaving Australia winners by an innings and 51 runs.
Australia now turn to a three-Test series in South Africa in October, their first red-ball tour of the country since 2018.
