A deep look at the five pacers ready to replace Australia’s aging legends.
Inheriting the Thunder
What happens to the most feared bowling unit in history when the clock finally runs out? For a decade, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins have hunted in a pack, amassing a staggering 1,043 Test wickets.
But even the most resilient steel eventually fatigues. With Scott Boland entering his veteran years, the Australian selectors are no longer just looking at the next game; they are looking at the next era.
The Resilience of Jhye Richardson
If luck were a measurable statistic, Jhye Richardson would already be a 50-Test veteran. At 29, he isn’t a “youngster” in the traditional sense, but his career mirrors the early, injury-plagued years of Pat Cummins. His ability to swing the ball at high speeds remains his greatest weapon.
Despite only four Tests to his name, his five-wicket haul against England in 2021 proved he has the temperament for the big stage. If he stays fit, his first-class average of 20.60 makes him the natural successor to the new ball.
The Velocity of Mahli Beardman
While Richardson offers surgical precision, 20-year-old Mahli Beardman offers pure, unadulterated fire. Hailing from Cowaramup, Beardman became a household name after clocking 150 km/h during the Under-19 World Cup.
He is the archetypal X-Factor player. He hasn’t played a first-class match yet, but his performance in the BBL and his shock call-up for the 2024 UK tour suggest the selectors see something special. He represents the “high-ceiling” gamble that Australia loves to take.
The Reliability of Bartlett and Meredith
Xavier Bartlett and Riley Meredith represent two different philosophies of fast bowling.
- Bartlett is the master of the “heavy ball.” He doesn’t rely on speed alone; he uses seam movement and impeccable lengths. His ODI average of 11.13 is borderline comical. He is the man you turn to when the pitch offers nothing.
- Meredith is the enforcer. He hits the deck hard and uses the short ball to intimidate. With 122 first-class wickets, he has more red-ball miles in his legs than the younger prospects, making him a “ready-to-go” option for a grueling Test series.
The Workhorse: Brendan Doggett
Every great attack needs a “glue” player—someone who can bowl 20 overs of tight, nagging lines while the stars rest. Brendan Doggett is that man. With 197 first-class wickets, he is the most experienced of the group.
He doesn’t need to be the fastest; he needs to be the most consistent. Doggett provides the stability that allows the Richardsons and Beardmans of the world to attack.
Forget the “Next Starc”
The biggest mistake fans and pundits make is searching for a direct clone of the current trio. You shouldn’t look for another Starc; you should look for a bowler who exploits the gaps the current attack leaves behind.
- Skill over Speed: In modern cricket, a bowler who can move the ball 2 degrees at 135 km/h is often more lethal than a 150 km/h “straight” bowler.
- The BBL Proving Ground: Don’t ignore white-ball stats. The pressure of bowling the final over in a BBL game develops the same “mental calluses” required for a Day 5 Test session.
- Rotation is the New Standard: The days of three pacers playing every Test in a summer are over. Australia’s future lies in a five or six-man “pace pod” that rotates based on venue and fatigue.
Summary of Key Takeaways
- Jhye Richardson is the most “Test-ready” if his body holds up.
- Mahli Beardman provides the raw pace that keeps captains awake at night.
- Xavier Bartlett is the statistical anomaly ready for a breakout.
- Rotation and workload management will define the next five years of Australian cricket.