Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Barring something truly incredible, India are on the verge of a 1-0 series lead in their much-awaited Test series in Australia.
From an Australian perspective, everything that has happened since day one has been very disappointing, playing a brand of cricket reflective of their mindset at the moment. Muddled.
The batting has been of particular concern. Of course, India’s bowling has been fantastic, focusing on bowling with discipline, which is testament to their focus on fitness. However, the batting approach by Australia has been one of a lesser-ranked nation, almost completely unsure of the approach they should take.
It needs to be noted that this batting lineup is Australia’s least experienced since World Series Cricket, but these guys aren’t rubbish. They have played quite a bit of First Class Cricket, with Marcus Harris, Shaun Marsh and Peter Handscomb in particular showing strong form in the lead up to the series. But, the batting on display, especially on what was a good day two pitch, was so disappointing to watch. Why?
Block-leave-block-block-bash
A key sign that a side is struggling to find its identity is when get-out-of-jail shots are the answer to periods of pressure from the opposition. There has been no in-between. India have been relentless with the ball in this match to date, highlighted by magnificent economy rates from all their bowlers, but Australia’s block-block-T20 approach won’t bring any success.
The Australians have batted without a plan. What exactly are they trying to achieve? Today, Marcus Harris was hanging in, and threw his wicket away to Mohammed Shami on a pitch not too responsive for the seamers. Usman Khawaja batted 42 balls for eight, and thought slogging Ashwin out of the rough was the answer after playing out lots of dots. Peter Handscomb’s dismissal, and Aaron Finch’s no-review were also disappointing, indicating Australia’s lack of intent and direction.
Intent without the big shots seemingly hasn’t been an option for Australia, with the lack of strike rotation evident for all to see. India, particularly Cheteshwar Pujara, batted with more patience as the Test went on, but the key difference was they came in with a plan. They expertly pierced the gaps, maneuvering the ball beautifully through excellent footwork and use of the crease/body. For Australia, their batting hasn’t matched India’s, and their bowlers haven’t been able to repair the damage, which is difficult when someone like Mitchell Starc is all over the place, taking possibly the worst 3/40 ever.
India’s batting hasn’t been particularly flash in SENA over the last few years, but in this Test, there are plenty of things Australia can learn.
The challenge for Justin Langer
In the immediate term, Australia have a Test to win.
In the longer term, though, Justin Langer will have to put his mark on a side finding the goings really tough at the moment. There is nothing wrong with displaying patience, but when batsmen are getting stuck, and then trying to get out of jail with a big shot, it is very concerning.
Justin Langer will need to guide this group of players during this period, with a focus on scoring runs against good, tight bowling.
India have been fantastic with the ball.
It is easy to focus on Australia, but India have been absolutely outstanding with the ball in this Test.
Ravichandran Ashwin and Mohammed Shami have been in the wickets, but their success is as much theirs as it is Ishant Sharma’s and Jasprit Bumrah’s. Bumrah has been a truly brilliant addition to the India Test attack, displaying the patience and discipline that is incredible for such a fantastic white-ball bowler.
Jasprit Bumrah’s first five overs of the Test went for 24, with no maidens. He was all over the place. His next 30 overs in the match have yielded just 40, with three wickets and 14 maidens. This has allowed Ashwin in particular to continue attacking from the other end, with the Australians increasingly edgy about moving the scoreboard along.
Final verdict
If Australia are to get close to the target of 323, their approach needs to be spot on. They need to maneuver the gaps as best as possible, not giving away wickets to desperate shots. The good news is that Shaun Marsh has passed double figures for the first time in seven Test innings, and Travis Head was very good in the first innings.
219 runs is a very long way off, and India should win this. But, at the very least, Australia need to give their fans some hope that they can indeed push India hard in this series.
It remains to be seen.
