With a loss by an inning and 132 runs in the 1st BGT Test after only three days, Australia’s current tour of India got off to a disastrous start. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja bowled the Aussies out cheaply in both innings. Australia couldn’t stop India despite having the ball in their hands; India showed them how to bat on the turning pitch. India scored 400 runs in response to Australia’s 171 runs and was led by Rohit Sharma’s brilliant century. India led by 223 runs going into the second innings. Ashwin’s five-wicket haul confined Australia to just 91 runs. As a result, Australia needs a rapid turnaround before the 2nd Test in Delhi. The Australian selectors will have to make some harsh decisions after a lacklustre performance on the field if they want to compete in the World Test Championship (WTC) final and try to regain the BGT.
1. Matt Renshaw
Matt Renshaw, who was controversially selected in the squad over Travis Head, had a miserable Test, scoring zero runs in the first innings and two runs in the second. While his 2017 tour showed potential, Jadeja and Ashwin exposed his technique in both innings this time, resulting in a wrong bet.
Despite his unimpressive track record in the subcontinent, Australia’s best chance for some runs from the middle order is still the left-handed Travis Head. Thus he should be given an opportunity. So, it’s clear that he should replace Renshaw. During Australia’s undefeated summer, Head led the way as the main man in the attack with an astounding average of 87.50.
2. Peter Handscomb
Peter Handscomb got off to a good start with 31 runs in the first innings of the BGT 1st Test, but he couldn’t capitalise on it. A close LBW call went against him in the second innings, and he was dismissed for a single-figure score. Although Handscomb has progressed, he may not play in the Delhi Test. Cummins said Cameron Green is “a bit of a wait and see,” meaning he hasn’t been ruled out completely. If Green heals quickly enough from his finger injury, Handscomb will be the natural man to make way for him. Adding Green will strengthen the visitors in all areas and provide the ideal balance to the team.
3. Scott Boland
Despite Scott Boland’s excellent start to his Test career, he was not the preferred fast bowler for the Nagpur match. Since Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc were both injured, Boland was able to crack into starting XI. As the second fast bowler, he bowled alongside the captain, Pet Cummins. He had stats of 17-4-34-0 despite not taking a wicket, and he looked dangerous for the most part. Boland will be relegated to the bench for Starc, a veteran player expected to return for the 2nd Test in Delhi. The criticism may seem harsh, but Australia needs Starc, a genuine wicket-taker and one of the starkest examples of reverse swing.