Australian Cricket without Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood
So, what happens if these three are gone? It’s not just about finding replacements; it’s about losing a .................
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Imagine Australia without Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazelwood. It’s not just three bowlers missing—it’s the backbone of a cricketing team ripped out. These aren’t just players; they’re game-changers who have carried Australia through some of its toughest battles. Without them, what’s left? And more importantly, who’s ready to step into their shoes?
Losing these three isn’t just about missing a few wickets here and there. It’s about losing balance, aggressiveness, and that psychological edge that makes Australia such a feared team.
Pat Cummins is the relentless workhorse, bowling with precision and intensity for hours. Starc brings left-arm firepower and reverse swing that can destroy any batting lineup. Hazlewood’s line-and-length mastery suffocates batters and forces mistakes. Together, they form a trio that have been able to exploit any pitch, condition, or opposition. Without them, Australia’s bowling attack suddenly looks… ordinary. The team loses its ability to attack from all angles and control the game’s pace.
There’s no denying the intimidation factor these three bring. Batters know that facing Cummins, Starc, and Hazelwood means no easy runs, no weak links. Without them, opposition teams will walk onto the field with a lot more confidence, and that can completely shift the balance of power.
Next in Line, those whom we have seen
So, if Australia’s golden trio is gone, who steps up? Here’s a look at the next generation:
Scott Boland
You’ve seen Boland’s brilliance in the Ashes, especially at the MCG. His accuracy and ability to seam the ball make him a nightmare on certain pitches. But here’s the catch: he’s a specialist. Put him on a flat track, and he’s less effective. He’s reliable and has the ability to become a game-changer. He needs more international experience and has so far been a plug-in type of player. He is 35 years old and will only be able for a couple of years at the most.
Michael Neser
Neser swings the ball beautifully and can chip in with the bat. But he doesn’t have the express pace or intimidation factor of a Cummins or Starc. Think of him as dependable, but not someone who’ll turn a match on its head. Age's against him as well. He should be celebrating his 35th birthday soon.
Lance Morris
They call him the “Wild Thing,” and for good reason. Morris can crank it up to 150 km/h, and that raw pace is exciting. But with pace comes inconsistency. He’s still learning, and while he’s got potential, he’s not ready to fill Starc’s shoes just yet. He has no test experience at all. He's 25 and has the potential to step-in with exposure and mentoring.
Jhye Richardson
Richardson is talented, no doubt. He swings the ball, bowls with sharp pace, and can rattle batters. But injuries have held him back, and durability is a concern. You can’t rely on someone who’s in and out of the team. Besides, his exposure to test matches is limited.
Sean Abbott
Abbott’s solid in white-ball cricket, but he hasn’t shown the same impact in Tests. He’s a good squad player but not the kind of bowler who’ll carry an attack and is on the wrong side of 30.
None of them can compare to Cummins, Starc & Hazlewood. They are no way near. Let’s be honest—they don’t. Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood are world-class for a reason. They’re proven, consistent, and capable of winning matches on their own. The next generation is promising, sure, but they’re either untested, inconsistent, or not at the same level with limited experience and exposure.
You might get a brilliant performance here and there, but the relentless dominance Australia relies on? That’s not something you can easily replicate.
Why Are Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood So Important?
These three have been the backbone of Australia’s success for over a decade. Just look at their track record. Pat Cummins is the No. 1 Test bowler for a reason. His ability to hit the same spot relentlessly and break partnerships is unmatched. Think of his spell in the 2019 Ashes at Old Trafford—29 wickets at an economy of 19.62 runs. It’s that kind of brilliance Australia will miss.
Mitchell Starc is a match-winner, plain and simple. Remember the 2015 World Cup Final? Starc’s deadly yorker to dismiss Brendon McCullum set the tone for Australia’s victory. He’s the guy who can turn a game in a single over.
Josh Hazlewood is the unsung hero. His economy, precision, and ability to build pressure make him invaluable, especially in Tests. He’s the bowler who does the hard work that sets the tone for the team.
Together, they give Australia adaptability, reliability, and fear factor—qualities that are almost impossible to replace.
The Big Question
So, what happens if these three are gone? It’s not just about finding replacements; it’s about losing a golden generation of bowlers who define what Australian cricket is all about. The next batch might step up occasionally, but they’re not ready to carry the team in the same way. And with the typical retirement age for fast bowlers being 33-35/36 years, one has to wonder: Can Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood emulate James Anderson’s longevity and continue into their late 30s? Without Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood, Australia risks going from world-beaters to just another team.
The real question isn’t who replaces them. It’s whether Australia can ever find another trio like them.
