Australia suffered a crushing defeat against India in the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In this match in Perth, the hosts were left behind by India in every department, while the Indian team was playing in the absence of its regular captain Rohit Sharma.
Now Rohit Sharma is expected to return in the second Test, which can create more problems for Australia. At the same time, the poor form of Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne remains a topic of discussion. In the first Test, Labuschagne could score only 2 and 3 runs. Since last year, his Test average has been just 23.57.
Mitchell Johnson gave a strong statement
Australia's legendary bowler Mitchell Johnson, writing in "The Knightley", spoke of dropping Labuschagne from the second Test.
"Labuschagne should be ruled out of the second Test due to poor form. He should be given a chance to play in Sheffield Shield and club cricket for some time. Playing there without pressure, he can get his form back. It will be better for them rather than struggling against Jasprit Bumrah and the Indian bowlers. ”
"Some people would say it's just the first Test, but it's been a long-standing trend. In the last 10 Test innings, Labuschagne has been able to score above 10 runs only once. There comes a time in every cricketer's career when he is dropped from the team, and the real question is how does a player bounce back from it. ”
Ian Healy advises all-rounder to give chance
On the other hand, another Australian legend Ian Healy has demanded the team management to include uncapped all-rounder Beau Webster in the team. Webster has been included in the squad as cover for all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who is struggling with fitness problems.
Webster performed brilliantly in the two unofficial Test matches against India A. He was the second-highest run-scorer, scoring 145 runs, averaging 72.50 and including a half-century. He also took 7 wickets at an average of less than 20.
Now it has to be seen what changes Australia makes in the pink ball Test starting on December 6 in Adelaide.