Ravi Shastri Dissects Australia’s Shortcomings Ahead Of Indore Test
Travis Head walks off during second Test (Source: BCCI)
The Australian team endured a dramatic collapse in the second Test to concede a 2-0 lead to the hosts in Delhi. On Day 3 morning, Pat Cummins and co. folded up for just 113, despite having a firm grip in the contest with their strong overnight score of 61-1. The tourists were also shot out for 91 in the first Test to hand India a victory by an innings and 132 runs.
Former Indian coach Ravi Shastri believes Australian batters need to go back to basics and work on their defensive technique. He claims that the visitors are currently lacking in belief of their own defence, and they should focus on occupying the crease instead of playing aggressively.
Labuschagne, Smith fall prey to Ashwin in quick succession
Ravi Shastri issues advice for struggling Australia
In the latest episode of ICC Review, Shastri listed out Australia’s shortcomings as well as its remedies for their ongoing four-match Test series against India. The cricketer-turned-commentator said that he was surprised to see the approach of some of the senior Australian batters, which resulted in a dramatic second-innings collapse across both Tests played so far in the series.
“The lack of application and the lack of discipline was unreal and Australia paid for it big time. It's very important to go back to the basics, go back to the drawing board.”
The former all-rounder further emphasised the importance of defensive batting and why the Australian batters should be focusing upon occupying long hours at the crease.
“Sometimes you've got to spend some time at the crease, but how are you going to spend some time at the crease if you don't trust your defence? What surprised me was some of their most senior players also came out there and looked to do things out of the ordinary, something they're not used to far quicker than later. And especially in conditions that suit the Indians.”
Meanwhile, Australia’s troubles just took a turn for the worse as their regular Test skipper Pat Cummins recently went back home for family emergency. The visitors were already ravaged by injuries, with senior members like Josh Hazlewood and David Warner being unavailable for the remaining two matches.
Australia will now face India in the third Test in Indore between March 1 and March 5. Regardless of the outcome of the series, the two teams will likely square-off in the one-off ICC Test Championship final scheduled to be played later this year.
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