Oz media says pace battery starting to 'feel the pinch' for first time since Ashes

Sydney: The Australian media has said that the demands of an intense winter are starting to take their toll on the country`s mighty pace bowling attack, which is `under the pump` for the first time since Australia`s domination of England started at Gabba three months ago.

Australia`s speed merchants were the celebrated heroes of the Ashes whitewash and the pace trio- Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle have played the last seven Tests together.

According to News.com.au, however, the pace battery is starting to slow down and the Australia`s hierarchy will discuss the form of Siddle and Harris in Cape Town before deciding whether James Pattinson or Jackson Bird will be needed in the deciding Test at Newlands.

The report further said that if Shane Watson can prove his fitness and can bowl, it may solve Australia`s problem as the all-rounder would provide a fourth seam option and lighten the burden on the top three.

Australia`s decision to scrap its controversial rotation policy at the start of the Ashes series created important benefits in terms of enabling the team to bond as a unit and work as a team although the challenge was that, at some point, fast bowlers chosen Test after Test would eventually feel the pinch, the report added.