This blog is all about the major talking points of the 1st Test curated by Achal Gunjal and me, Neha Shetty as a part of the script co-written by us for my Podcast, Never on the Backfoot.
Image Courtesy: ESPN Cricinfo
Prithvi Shaw’s disappointing outings
Prithvi Shaw is certainly going through a very rough patch right now. The amount of hate and the toxic comments that everyone is directing at this young 21-year-old is disheartening. It stems from people questioning his place in the team, ranges right up to his technique and his capabilities. He had a delightful start and a cracking start to his career vs West Indies and even his domestic run was like a dream script till it was halted by the doping ban. Ever since he returned, it has been a rocky one and even the IPL wasn’t where he saw his best exhibit his best. Shaw, whose technique against the in-coming delivery was exposed in both innings of the day-night Test. Social media has been buzzing with his replacement if he deserves to play in the whites and with even experts also weighing in on getting him removed from the team and a lot of other factors.
His naivety also was exhibited when he shared a quote ridden with grammatical errors as a jibe to all his naysayers. I really wish people around him to ground him, nurture him and help cope with the pressures of international cricket and adapt. It also becomes important for him to be more conducive to criticism, feedback and corrections with technique. His dismissals also have been in a similar fashion and here’s hoping we have the batting coach look over and help him adjust the position and not keep getting out like that.
Mayank Agarwal’s lacklustre set of performances
Mayank Agarwal is someone who has put in a lot of runs in the domestic circuit and has rightly earned his spot in the Indian team. In his short international careers so far, he has impressed everyone, and also became the third-fastest Indian to 1000 test runs. He made his debut in the Boxing Day test last time India toured Australia and impressed everyone. He also ensured India crossed 100 in the 2nd innings with a gusty 40 in the same test. Yes, he failed to score big in both the innings, but survived for 40 balls scoring 17 and 9 respectively. The ball to get him in the 1st innings by Pat Cummins was unplayable, to say the least, I think any batsman would have lost his wicket to that ball. 2nd innings was just that kind of an innings where no one got going so I won’t talk a lot about that. I think he will fight back hard as that is what he has done in the past. He scored a stunning 1000 runs in 3 months after getting a pair in the 2017-18 domestic season. Mayank is an opener for the long run and must not be dropped after a couple of lacklustre performances.
Australia’s batting collapse in the 1st innings
I think India displayed incredible character to restrict Australia to 191 in the 1st innings. The pressure built up right at the start when Australia took 28 balls to get off the mark, it’s slowest ever start. Indian bowlers maintained the pressure on the opposition and Bumrah struck twice in his 2nd spell. It was then an Ashwin show to inflict a middle-order collapse and with the help of Umesh Yadav, Australia were reduced to 111/7.
Getting Smith early was a huge relief for the Indian players and the fans alike. However, the old horrors of tail wagging haunted India yet again as Australia managed to put up 80 runs for the last 3 wickets. Paine, I thought was magnificent playing with the tail. He led his team from the front and reduced India’s lead to 53, which at one stage looked well over 100 runs. There are a lot of positives to India’s bowling as Australia were reduced to 191 even after a horrible display of fielding. As many as 6 catches were dropped and the one’s of Labuschagne and Paine proved to be extremely costly. Yadav, the direct like to like a replacement of the most experienced bowler Ishant Sharma impressed me with his improved control over his lines.
India’s batting downfall in their 2nd innings and decoding the collapse from 9-1 to 36/9, how?
Ending Day 2 at 9/1 after dismissing Australia for a paltry 191, India looked in a strong and dominating position looking to make most of the chance and the time they would get to bat. Prithvi Shaw’s early dismissal yet again was disappointing but considering the batting firepower that was still left to come, it was almost foolish to write off India’s chances. But what followed was some unbelievable visuals rather a nightmare for most of us who are probably still in denial as to what transpired on day 3. Everyone predicted that Bumrah partnering Mayank Agarwal would score a handy 30 odd runs as a night watchman and with Pujara, Kohli, Rahane and Vihari a decent lead was expected. But Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were in no mood to give India any sort of leverage as after Bumrah’s dismissal the rest of the batting just fell like a pack of cards showing absolutely no grit or fightback.
India recorded their lowest ever Test total, 36 in the second innings in Adelaide to lose the first Test by 8 wickets despite having their noses in front for the first two days. Edging all the outside off deliveries like ferrets, India was at 36/9 before a deadly delivery injured Shami rendering him incapable to bat and ruling him out of the series with a fracture. We were forced to declare and Australia obviously had a meagre total of 90 to chase. So, the blow was felt majorly and losing one of our best bowlers certainly did not make things easy and it was as someone said ‘The Great Adelaide Collapse’ we witnessed and a very dark day for Indian cricket.
Analysis of the surface under the lights, India’s 1st innings collapse and was it expected?
India was going pretty at 188/3 in 76 overs in the 1st innings. And then the Kohli runout happened. The new ball was taken right after 80 overs, which triggered a dramatic collapse. The pink ball swinging and seaming suddenly under the lights is no surprise, but the way the Indian batsman handled it is surely one. Starc and Hazelwood who had got nothing with the 1st new ball had started swinging the ball both ways and trapped Rahane and Vihari respectively in front of the wicket. Saha and Ashwin ensured that India went to stumps without further damage. However, the 2nd new ball was still doing the talking and India was bowled out within half an hour on the 2nd day. I personally had not expected the collapse and was almost certain that India would score something near 300.
Was Kohli’s run out in India’s 1st innings a big turning point?
I do believe that the way Kohli and Pujara also for that matter were batting so beautifully, really grinding it out there, really tiring the Aussie bowlers, making them toil and ensuring each run counted. Most of the balls were left alone, defended and basically just playing the ball on its merit. It was so delightful to see and Kohli especially was playing that typical knock in test cricket till an unfortunate mix up with Rahane ensured a run-out and a complete downfall for India.
India was cruising at 188/3 but after Kohli was dismissed (please note, this includes even the 2nd innings) India was just managed 92 runs losing 16 wickets in that pursuit that is almost impossible to believe in retrospect. Rahane clearly looked like he was shaken after that run-out and his body language and the intent was totally off and India couldn’t make much after that point. But this was undoubtedly a turning point as I’m certain Kohli would have converted that into a century or more, added more runs. That run out ensured the momentum completely went to Australia who steamrolled us and the results and scores stand testament to that.
Australia’s pace battery and how they were unbelievable in India’s 2nd innings
Fortunately or unfortunately, that is for you to decide, I missed the worst collapse of the Indian cricket history as I was travelling on the third day of the test. I followed the match on Cricbuzz and later watched the highlights of the Indian parade. The pitch certainly was not one where you would get bowled out for 36. More than the Indian batting debacle, I would give credit to the Australian pacers. They learnt from their 1st inning’s mistake where they bowled a touch too short. They changed their length slightly which proved to be magical. India edged everything that came their way and found themselves asking for answers. Australian bowling and the fielding on the disastrous third day was something that can just not be explained. It just happens once in a decade perhaps. Hazelwood and Cummins stuck to their plans of bowling full, just outside off stump and got rewarded almost every time.
Lowest totals in history, India’s 36/9 now and the scare of India breaking it?
26 is the dreaded number and India might have been staring down that number when they were 19/6. However, that was not to happen, but India registered their lowest total in test history. 36/9, I think, is this team can go. India’s previous lowest score of 42 all out had come way back in 1974 at Lord’s. Batting maestro G. Vishwanath said that he had never expected the Indian cricket team to break the unwanted record and score less than 42. However, that happened in Adelaide and I will say what Vishwanath said. I do not expect any Indian team, the current team or the future teams to break 36/9.
India’s fielding
India had a horrible experience in terms of fielding. As many as six catches were dropped and four of them were pretty straight forward. Two lives to Labuschagne meant he scored a gritty 47 and the dropped catch of Paine cost India around 60 runs. Fielding has been below average right through the ODI series. It has costed India matches quite a few times and the old saying of catches win matches will always remain true.
Is Vihari the best fit at #6?
Number 6 in a test is a tough spot to bat in. You sometimes have to handle top order collapses, on some days you might be asked to see off the 2nd new ball, and on other days, you will have to score at a quick pace in view of a declaration. For years India had a solid number 6 in first Laxman and then Dhoni. However, India in the recent past has struggled with that position and Vihari has been given a go after his consistent performances in domestic cricket. But, it is to be noted that Hanuma has batted in the top order for Hyderabad.
This is a tough question to be answered, but for me, Vihari looks like someone who could play in the top order but unfortunately not a perfect fit to bat at 6. However, looking at the lack of options available for the spot, it makes sense only to continue with Vihari at 6 for a couple of more series. If it does not work well, Pant, in my opinion, will grab that spot. Especially in India, where India prefers to play both Ashwin and Jadeja. Keeping the current series in view, Vihari can actually take #4 in the absence of Kohli. He also scored a ton in the tour match at the position.
Is Saha like the best wicketkeeper option?
Saha has always been the best 1st choice wicketkeeper in tests. He has consistently shown good performances and has been one of the best for Bengal in the domestic circuit. His India sojourn has been that of him keeping so well for India and his batting being handy in some tricky innings but he hasn’t had a breakthrough moment. This 1st test was no different considering how even the other batsmen had disastrous outings, he too didn’t inspire confidence.
Now immediately everyone is like let’s drop him, get Rishabh Pant as he has scored a gritty 100 the last time we toured down under and even in the practice match, he was effortlessly middling the ball. And with even the recent announcement stating Pant will be making it to the playing 11, this means Saha gets axed and is it fair? Well, that’s how cutthroat the competition is that one bad performance is enough to get the naysayers all solidified on their stance of bringing the next best alternative who they think will deliver the goods. Although this is in the best interest of the team and to solidify the batting, what does this mean to the confidence of Saha and with his age breathing down his neck each of the matches he plays will matter and he will have excess pressure every time he steps out to the crease.
Shami’s debilitating injury
Mohammad Shami has been India’s premier test bowler for a while now. His seam presentation and skill with which he bowls is one of the best in the world. It is really unfortunate for him to get injured by a nasty Pat Cummins delivery. This also ruled him out of the test series. Even though Shami went wicketless in the 1st innings, he looked the most threatening bowler in the 1st session on day 1. Especially when Bumrah and Yadav were not forcing the batsmen into shots.
The last time Shami toured Australia for a test series, he picked up 16 wickets to compliment Bumrah perfectly. Shami’s injury has added to India’s misery of missing Ishant Sharma already on the bowling front. We will surely see a debut in the 2nd test. Bumrah will be left without his two workhorses for support.
Ashwin’s performance with the ball
Ravichandran Ashwin’s performance with the ball in the 1st innings was magical. He was the leading wicket-taker with 4 scalps. The wicket of Smith, edging it to the slips and his wild celebration was indicative of how much the wicket meant to him.
We could see that this was the starting point of his amazing spell with the pink ball deceiving the Aussies with the spin and variations that he was generating snapping the wicket of Cameron Green, Travis Head and not giving anything away to the tail dismissing Nathan Lyon ensuring that he was the primary destroyer in charge of Australia dismissing them for 191. Umesh Yadav and Bumrah with their 3 and 2 wickets respectively really lent India that edge but unable to capitalise on that advantage was what caused India’s downfall.
Jadeja and his role and the question of Team India opting for 2 spinners?
With Jadeja also being named as one of the replacements who would make his way for the 2nd test, maybe this is a good move as he can prove to be a handy batsman and obviously an asset as a spinner for India. This would perhaps mean that Vihari gets dropped and that we would go ahead with two spinners and with him partnering Ashwin, maybe we can see a reversal in fortunes. Sometime back imagining two spinners in the side in Australia was unimaginable but with the surfaces also favouring spinners, it is a welcome sign and unfortunate for Vihari who is really trying to establish himself at 6 but an unfortunate injury is a problem for him lest we forget what an asset he is with a very fruitful and productive domestic career and more opportunities ensuring he can showcase his talent.
Virat Kohli’s absence and how it will hurt the team
Virat Kohli is certainly the biggest player of the current Indian team. Him taking a paternity leave will surely be a big blow, especially after the debacle in the 1st test. Virat is that personality whom people look upto when something like 36/9 has happened. Adding to this, the Indian skipper was the highest scorer for India in Adelaide. He also took a stunning catch of debutant Cameron Green when India’s fielding looked shaky. India will need to find inspiration from somewhere in Kohli’s absence. It might be from the stand-in captain Rahane or from the experienced campaigner Pujara.
Although we faced such a humiliating loss, is the constant chopping needed? Like 3 changes are forced but the others and how imperative will that be?
India is going with potentially five changes in the Boxing Day Test after the Adelaide debacle. With Virat Kohli already back in India for the birth of his first child and Shami out of the series with a fractured wrist, multiple changes are expected in the Indian playing XI for the second Test against Australia in Melbourne. The possibility of a five-bowler attack also cannot be ruled out with either Mohammed Siraj or Navdeep Saini getting his Test cap in place of the injured Mohammed Shami.
If India does play both Jadeja, Ashwin and three seamers, that would make it a 5 bowlers attack which would then mean Ajinkya Rahane and Hanuma Vihari batting a spot higher with Gill in the mix and Rishabh Pant could come in place of Wriddhiman Saha purely because of his batting skills, the middle order solidified. Ashwin and Jadeja provide more resistance in the lower order. The fact that both Jadeja and Pant are left-handers, will provide different angles for the Australian bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc is also on the Indian Team management’s mind. Yes, these changes would be imperative and we have to see how KL Rahul and Gill are brought in the scheme of things.
Gill, an answer to the unstable middle order?
Before this series started, I was almost certain that India had a settled middle order in Pujara, Kohli and Rahane. I still think these three should not be fiddled with for another five years unless something goes awfully wrong. Number six is the only dicey position and I do not see any reason to drop Vihari yet. However, Pant might be more useful at that spot if Vihari fails. Gill is still young and I would like him to play in home tests when one of the three is rested for workload management. Gill, however, is opening in the boxing day test and can be a standby opener as I see Rohit retire from tests in a couple of years time.
KL Rahul, where is he the best fit?
Ideally, KL Rahul is the best fit at the top. But we have a plethora of option with Gill, Shaw, Agarwal, Rohit Sharma also coming in the picture immediately people decide he is better at the middle order where he can lend assistance. He has also asserted that his role and the position of his batting will completely depend on the format and being flexible helps for him but the management will likely put him in the opener’s position and eventually have him down the order when Rohit Sharma is back in the fold as the opener. But this would mean Prithvi Shaw warming the bench. A lot of permutations and combinations possible. With Wasim Jaffer’s cryptic tweet indicating his support to pick Gill and Rahul, maybe it is time to exercise the option. Rahul averages 44 while opening and his attacking mindset will compliment Agarwal’s stone-walling capabilities. On the other hand, Shubman Gill at No.4 can provide a steadying influence. India must now get into the habit of big scores so that the bowlers have something to bowl for and a competitive match can be expected.
The pressure Rahane is going to face captaining a side coming off a huge loss and what’s running on his mind
Rahane will be under a lot of pressure, especially after such a disaster in the 1st test. As if that was not enough, Rahane will miss the services of important red ball players like Kohli, Ishant, Rohit and Shami. It will be interesting to see how Rahane handles things. I don’t really know what would be going back of his mind. First to pick almost half the side which did not feature in the previous game and then to lead from the front when he is not in the best of his batting forms. If India somehow manages a comeback, Rahane deserves a lot of credit for it.
The need to form a proper test playing core and the role of coaching staff and is a change needed?
India certainly needs a proper test playing core who are the rock of the team. Constant cutting and chopping isn’t the way. Well, give opportunities and in case they don’t perform send them back to the domestic circuit and grind it out there till they can make it back to the team on their merit.The playing core would obviously take time and we can’t expect a sudden miracle. It will take series worth of effort and experimentation.
And coming to the point of a change in the coaching staff needing a change and all the hate directed to Shastri and the coaching staff is unfair and highly unnecessary and not needed. One bad performance isn’t an indication to change everything and there is no need to jump the gun and do something so instantly. That’s ruled out and for all those using a term like RCB-fication of the Indian team with Shastri and Kohli at the helm doing damage is just so sad and petty rather unfortunate
Rohit Sharma and his influence as a test player and how much has the absence of two Sharma’s affected?
Rohit had just started making a mark as an opener in tests. In the two home series that he played against South Africa and Bangladesh, he was phenomenal. Him missing out on the limited-overs series itself was a huge blow, but him not playing the 1st two tests is a bigger blow. He has a brilliant record in Australia and would have been the perfect partner to Mayank Agarwal. Good starts is always the key to winning test matches, especially when playing away from home. It will be a huge sigh of relief once he joins the team for the 3rd test, especially in the absence of Kohli.
To be honest, India hardly missed Ishant Sharma as Umesh Yadav came good. It will be a challenge henceforth as India will be without Shami too. India might miss the services of Ishant to support Bumrah. However, this should also be seen as an opportunity for youngsters like Gill, Shaw, Siraj and Saini.
SENA batting collapse and too much limited over cricket influencing test batting?
The Australian series win in 2018-19 was one of the greatest highlights of the current team but India has failed to drag a test to day five for 3 consecutive tests now. Two in NZ and now in Australia. In fact, India has lost 2-1, 4-1, 2-0 in South Africa, England and New Zealand respectively. India has one of the best bowling attacks currently without a doubt, but batting has constantly led the team down. Too much of limited-overs cricket might be one of the major issues for the team not lasting long durations while batting. We saw that happen with KL Rahul, he entered the International circuit as a test specialist, but now finds himself as the best ranked Indian t20 batsman and out of the test team. Rahane too, in my opinion, has been affected trying to break into the limited-overs team. India needs a clear roadmap ahead and have more test specialists like Pujara and Ashwin,
Last but not the least let’s focus on BCCI’s announcement before the 2nd test with respect to the squad
BCCI today, a day before the much-awaited Boxing Day Test match announced the team. Australia is planning to go ahead with the same squad. With respect to India, we have Rahane captaining the side with Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill (making his debut), Chesteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant(back in the squad) forming a solid batting unit with Jadeja, Ashwin, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj also making his debut forming the bowling set up and completing this strong side.
Now, we have to note that Shaw and Saha are dropped with Siraj, Pant, Jadeja and Gill making their way. The replacements do look good and I feel we are well set for the test. Pant and Jadeja make the batting look deep and in Kohli’s absence seems like the right step. Siraj has proven his dedication ball credentials with a very good Ranji record and it will be exciting to see him don the whites. KL Rahul seems like a notable exclusion and maybe having him play this test would’ve been ideal and he has matured as a player, shouldering responsibilities is his best part and many were unhappy with his exclusion but again who would he replace in this setup, Vihari? Ok, let’s just not jump to conclusions and further try to make this complicated but time will tell if he would be in the reckoning for tests.
The squad for the 2nd test looks perfect. Though I personally would have liked to see Shaw be given another go before we get Rohit back in the third test. Now there will be a question of who will Rohit replace if Mayank has a good test as you do not want to be dropping Gill after only one match. The other changes looked like forced changes and I’m delighted to see Siraj making a debut. I really hope he performs well and people do not troll him and call him ‘RCB quota’. I read an article a couple of days ago which mentioned the success of Indian spinners when they are bowling in pairs or a three spin attack in Australia. The numbers were rather encouraging. So playing both Aswin and Jadeja makes sense. Pant was an automatic selection after his 100 in the practice match. As far as Rahul is concerned, he will have to wait longer for a test comeback. It is heartening to see the management backing Vihari.
Never on the Backfoot 