‘Two-day Test matches unacceptable’: Justin Langer questions Australia-Bangladesh finish

Justin Langer. Source: X

Former Australia opener Justin Langer has criticised the growing trend of short-lived Test matches, calling two-day finishes “unacceptable” after Australia defeated Bangladesh by an innings and 51 runs in the second Test on Sunday.

Australia bounced back from their shock nine-wicket defeat in Darwin with a dominant performance, led by Mitchell Starc’s 10-wicket match haul. The victory helped the world’s top-ranked side level the two-match series 1-1. However, this swift finish also marked Australia’s third Test in their last seven to finish within two days.

“Two-day Test matches (are) unacceptable. It’s no good for the game for so many reasons. Last year was disappointing for the crowds, for the kids who get to watch their heroes on TV or listen on the radio or get to the ground,” said Langer on SEN Radio.
The former Australia batter also highlighted the financial impact of such matches on the sport.

“Economically, it’s a disaster for Cricket Australia, who put money into grassroots cricket. And you know we’re talking about very well-paid professionals now, and you get tired of hearing ‘Oh, it’s just the pitches, oh, it’s the curators, it’s the ball moves a bit’.”

Langer believes the issue goes beyond pitch conditions, pointing to a decline in basic batting technique.

“I think a lot of it is down to basic batting technique. Take this Test match alone. Almost every dismissal has been batters; their front foot has not gone past the front line. It’s just basic technique, and it’s footwork patterns.”

Australia’s next Test assignment will be a three-match series in South Africa in October, which marks their first red-ball tour to the nation since 2018.

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