Beyond the Big Three: Australia's Pace Depth Gets Test in Puducherry

For years, Australia's pace attack has been synonymous with three names: Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. But as CricketBuzz has consistently highlighted through this packed cricketing calendar, no trio—however brilliant—can shoulder every red-ball assignment across a demanding year. That reality opens the door for the next tier of Australian quicks, and Puducherry is where that door swings open on September 22.

Doggett and Richardson in the Spotlight

Brendan Doggett, a seasoned domestic performer with the skiddy pace and seam movement that has troubled batters in Sheffield Shield cricket for years, finally gets a proper look at higher honours. Alongside him, Jhye Richardson—whose raw pace and ability to swing the new ball have long tantalised selectors despite injury setbacks—arrives at a career juncture where consistent fitness could finally translate into extended opportunities. Both bowlers understand that with Australia's schedule sprawling across Tests, ODIs and T20Is this year, workload management for the frontline trio is not optional; it's inevitable.

That inevitability is precisely what makes Puducherry significant. It isn't just another fixture on a crowded calendar—it's an audition. Selectors will be watching closely to see who can step up when Cummins, Hazlewood or Starc need rest, recovery, or rotation. As CricketBuzz understands from conversations around the camp, the coaching staff are eager to identify bowlers who can slot into the XI without a dramatic drop in quality or intensity.

For Doggett, it's about proving that domestic dominance can translate to the international stage. For Richardson, it's about staying fit long enough to show what many believe is genuine matchwinning pace. Neither is guaranteed a long run, but both know that a strong showing in Puducherry could fast-track their case for a Test cap sooner rather than later. With Australia needing depth more than ever in a jam-packed year of cricket, this contest for a place behind the big three promises to be one of the more compelling subplots of the domestic season. Stay with CricketBuzz for more as this fascinating pace battle unfolds.