Langer calls two-day Test finishes unacceptable despite Australia’s dominant Bangladesh win

Langer calls two-day Test finishes unacceptable despite Australia’s dominant Bangladesh win(Photo by Philip Brown/Popperfoto/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

Australia defeated Bangladesh by an innings and 51 runs inside two days in Mackay during the second Test of the series. Mitchell Starc claimed 10 wickets for the match, dismantling Bangladesh’s batting across both innings. The victory came after Australia had bounced back from its Darwin loss, with the series now drawn 1-1.

Justin Langer, who played 105 Tests for Australia, has raised concerns about the frequency of two-day Test finishes. Speaking after the match, Langer expressed his view that such quick conclusions damage the sport across multiple dimensions.

“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,” Langer said on SEN Radio.

Why Langer views two-day Tests as damaging to the sport

The former Test captain highlighted the economic impact on Cricket Australia, which invests significantly in grassroots development. Langer also rejected the common narrative that pitch conditions and ball movement alone determine match outcomes, pointing instead to fundamental issues with player preparation and technique.

“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 added.

Langer attributes quick finishes to batting technique, not pitch conditions

Langer attributed the rapid conclusion of matches to declining standards in basic batting technique rather than external factors. He observed that dismissals in the Mackay Test followed a consistent pattern of technical failure at the crease.

“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,” Langer concluded.

This was Australia’s third Test in the last seven to end within two days. The rapid conclusion raised questions about the sustainability of the two-day format for Test cricket. Australia’s next assignment will be to travel to South Africa in October for a three-match Test series, marking the nation’s first red-ball tour to the country since 2018.

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