David Saker says Australia 'may have got it wrong' by not enforcing follow-on
Tuesday 5 December 2017 13:16, UK
Australia "may have got it wrong" by not enforcing the follow-on after England clawed their way back into the second Test in Adelaide, says the side's bowling coach David Saker.
Australia skipper Steven Smith chose not to reinsert Joe Root's side under the lights on day three after the Baggy Greens skittled the tourists for 227 to secure a first-innings lead of 215.
Smith was subsequently one of four Australia batsmen to be dismissed in the final session as the hosts slipped to 50-4, before England returned on day four to mop up the innings for 138.
Joe Root's unbeaten 67 has now helped lift England to within 178 runs of their victory target of 354, with the away side closing on 176-4 following Pat Cummins' late scalp of Dawid Malan (29).
"There were messages to and from the dressing room but Steven made the decision and thought the bowlers had bowled enough," Saker said reflecting on Australia not asking England to follow-on. "Maybe we got it wrong.
"In hindsight, we didn't get the opportunity to bowl with the new ball under lights and that was our chance. We probably didn't think it was going to move around like it did [for England's bowlers].
The last two days haven't gone to plan but we are still in front. I'd back our bowlers to get the job done more often than not in those conditions.
"At the end of the Test match we will review that but if we come out winning the game, as I still think we will, it will still be justified in some way.
"The last two days haven't gone to plan but we are still in front. I'd back our bowlers to get the job done more often than not in those conditions.
"It is getting closer and closer and Joe's innings has made that possible. If we get his wicket in the morning, I think the game changes quite quickly.
Australia are out of DRS referrals after Smith unsuccessfully reviewed to have Root and Malan trapped lbw.
"We got it wrong today. It's frustrating not to have any [referrals] in the bank going into the last day," added Saker.
"[Smith's] a very determined guy so he'll think about things tonight and make sure when we turn up we'll be right to play.
"He's obviously frustrated about with what's happened but I don't think he's ruing decisions. I think he'll be positive and the whole dressing room will be positive that we're in a better position than [England]."
