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Australia's veteran bowlers prove age is no barrier in Durban
Published : Wednesday, 14 October, 2026 at 1:48 PM
Observer Online Report
Collected Photo
Australia's experienced bowling attack showed that age has not diminished its effectiveness, as Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon combined to secure a 214-run victory over South Africa in the first Test at Kingsmead in Durban.
The win, which ended on Tuesday (October 13), gave Australia a 1-0 lead in the series. While Matt Renshaw attracted attention with innings of 190 and 82, the bowlers laid the foundation for the victory by dismissing South Africa in both innings.
Hazlewood, 35, led the attack in the second innings, taking six wickets for 49 runs to record the best bowling figures of his Test career. He received strong support from captain Cummins, 33, Starc, 36, and Lyon, 38.
Their continued success at the highest level reflects careful preparation, workload management and timely rest. Cummins said the team had been focused on preparing for the South Africa tour since last year's Ashes series.
“Since the Ashes last year, a big part of our thinking has been how we could get ourselves into this position and ensure we were in the best possible condition,” the Australian captain said.
He added that the team had worked hard ahead of the Darwin Test against Bangladesh in August, putting in extended training sessions to gain an advantage and reap the benefits later.
“I think that is happening now,” Cummins said.
Lyon has also made changes to his lifestyle in a bid to extend his career. The veteran spinner said he had stopped drinking alcohol for a long time and was trying to get the most out of his abilities.
“I think there is still plenty of good cricket ahead of me,” he said.
Cummins also praised Hazlewood's skill and consistency, saying the fast bowler's abilities went beyond his reputation for accuracy.
“He is exceptional with the new ball. Even when the ball starts reversing, his skill remains the same. He can swing it both ways,” Cummins said.
The Australian captain also praised Hazlewood and Starc for their willingness to adapt to the team's needs, saying having players who consistently put the side first was a dream for any captain.
-EM
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected] Online: email: [email protected] 41053014; 01550707297 Advertisement: 01550707296
