IND vs AUS: Greg Chappell advises Pat Cummins to ‘avoid forced changes’, doesn’t expect ‘selectors to panic’

Last update:November 26, 2024, 3:24 p.m. IST

Greg Chappell says Australia’s top order is a major concern heading into the second Border-Gavaskar Test in Adelaide.

India vs Australia: Pat Cummins seems disappointed (AP)

India outscored Australia by 295 runs in the first Test at Perth’s Optus Stadium on Monday, as former Men in Blue head coach and Australian great Greg Chappell believes the home side’s top order is a major concern.

If India’s humiliation of being able to declare their second innings on 487-6 had a bad effect on the bowling unit, it was Australia’s batting line-up dismissed for 104 in their first innings that carried the brunt of the blame.

“Yet it was Australia’s batting performance that was most concerning. The Indian bowlers, led by the lethal Jasprit Bumrah, looked sharper and more threatening. By the way, please stop this nonsense of questioning Bumrah’s action. It’s unique, but it’s unmistakably clean. It demeans a champion and the game to talk about it. Higher order is a major concern. To avoid forced change, they must deliver on their promises to Adelaide,” Chappell wrote in his Sydney Morning Herald column.

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Marnus Labuschagne could muster just five runs in two innings in Perth and was even trapped in front of the wickets by Jasprit Bumrah without offering a shot. Considered one of the best hitters around, Labuschagne has not scored a century since July 2023.

Chappell believes the right-hander is playing to survive instead of looking for runs.

“Marnus Labuschagne knows he is under pressure. With just 330 runs in his last 16 innings, he needs to regain his form quickly and return to the smooth style of yesteryear; two out of 52 balls is not enough. A change in mindset should be his first port of call. He seems to be fighting to survive when he should really be trying to score points. A subtle but important difference,” he wrote.

“At this stage, I don’t expect the Australian selectors to panic. However, if the same team takes the field in Adelaide and falters under the lights… watch out!” Chappell added.

Chappell was all praise for ’emerging superstar’ Yashasvi Jaiswal, calling him a fearless cricketer who is following the torch of Indian batting greats like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.

“The terrain has also evolved, becoming less treacherous. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul capitalized, making the Australian bowlers look ordinary. Rahul’s quality is well known, but Jaiswal is an emerging superstar. The young opener is fearless and looks set to inherit the title of Indian batting excellence, like Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar,” he wrote.

(With contributions from agencies)