"Unacceptable": Langer calls out shortened Test results

Australia have managed to equal the series ledger against Bangladesh, having secured victory in the Second Test in Mackay on Sunday.

But with the match completed in six sessions, Justin Langer has queried why this is becoming more common.

Following a shock nine-wicket loss to the Tigers in Darwin last week, the World No.1 Test side has come out with vengeance, securing a dominant victory having won by an innings and 51 runs.

This sees the series conclude 1-1 with Mitchell Starc leading the way for Australia with ten wickets across the two innings.

It now marks Australia’s third Test to be completed in the space of two days across its last seven Test matches, raising concerns over how white ball formats have impacted these matches.

As the clash between the two nations neared its conclusion, the 105-time Test representative for Australia was frank in his assessment.   “Two-day Test matches (are) unacceptable,” Langer told SEN Cricket.

“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.

“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’.”

Just like the first innings, Bangladesh lost two quick wickets courtesy of Mitchell Starc, which once again saw a hat trick opportunity for the left-arm quick.

And while there was some resistance from the likes of Mushfiqur Rahim in the second innings, the Tigers were bowled out for 95, which was only a 31-run improvement from the first innings.

Speaking on why these results are more common, the former opener believes it comes down to the basics of the game not being adhered to.

“I think a lot of it is down to basic batting technique,” Langer explained.

“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.

“I coach young guys now, and I've just come back from England; there are a couple of batters who are in our Hundred team who are also wanting to become Test players.

“And you have some hits with them, and you say some things to them which are so basic for us in the game, and their eyes light up like you're teaching them magic for the first time.”

Australia’s Test side now turns its attention towards its next series.

That takes place in October when they’ll face South Africa in South Africa in a re-match of the World Test Championship over three Tests.

This will mark the first time the World No.1 side have returned to the country for a Test series since the infamous sandpaper-gate in 2018.

SEN will have live coverage of the three Tests across our radio network and on the SEN app beginning from October 9.

Listen to JL's full take below.