Follow UsFormer Australia wicketkeeper Ian Healy is worried by some of the Australian bowlers, who have conceded around or over six an over in the ongoing Lord's Test against England. Mitchell Starc (6.20), Josh Hazlewood (5.70) and Cameron Green (6.10) have taken the brunt of some attacking strokeplay from the English batters, who now trail Australia by just 138 runs with six wickets in hand.
However, he is relieved that Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon have kept the Aussies in the game, not leaking runs at an alarming rate.
"I'm worried about our bowlers. We've got three bowlers going at six an over. If it wasn't for Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, we'd be nowhere. They shared the wickets around eventually," Healy told Sen Radio on Friday (June 30).
However, with Lyon's participation for the rest of the tour in jeopardy, given that he was helped off the field after injuring his calf, it will be an uphill task for Australia. Things do not look great for the off-spinner, playing his 100th Test on the bounce as he walked in to the stadium with the help of crutches.
In Lyon's absence, Cummins tossed the ball to Travis Head, who has chipped in with five economical overs.
"Australia [will have to] produce enough sideways movement to get some wickets. I’d just like to see that bowling tighten up a bit. The wicket looks quite good for batting now," Healy advises the Australian bowlers.
"Australia took some late wickets to get on an even keel. I'd say its level, which is great."
Australia managed to put 416 on the board, thanks toa superb ton by Steven Smith and a counter-attacking 77 by Head. The visitors lead the five-match Ashes series 1-0, following a thrilling win at Edgbaston last week.