Australia suffered embarrassing innings and 132 runs loss in the first Test match against hosts India on the 3rd day played at VCA Stadium, Nagpur. It was a disappointing performance by the number 1 ranked side as they were bundled out for 177 runs in the first innings after opting to bat first.
Australia missed the services of Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Cameron Green due to injuries. Debutant Todd Murphy picked up 7 wickets while Nathan Lyon picked up only 1 wicket. They allowed India the tail to post 400 runs. The Australian batters struggled badly against R Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja and were bowled out cheaply for 91 runs in the second innings.
They would be looking to level the series when they meet the Indian team in the 2nd Test starting on 17 February at Arun Jaitley Stadium, New Delhi.
Here we look at the 3 changes that Australia can make in 2nd Test against India:
Travis Head replacing Peter Matthew Renshaw
Matthew Renshaw had a disappointing outing failing cheaply in both innings. He was dismissed first ball by Ravindra Jadeja while dismissed by Ravichandran Ashwin in 2nd outing.
Travis Head has been in excellent form lately in the Test series against South Africa. With the ability to put pressure with his aggressive batting and keep the scoreboard ticking, Head could be an ideal choice to replace Renshaw in the middle order.
His form in Asian conditions looked ordinary but recent form could see him included in the playing XI replacing Renshaw.
Cameron Green replacing Peter Handscomb
Cameron Green also missed the first Test in Nagpur due to an injury. Peter Handscomb got a start in the first innings but failed to convert it into a big score. In both innings, Handscomb was dismissed by spinners.
Green will be a straightforward walk into the playing XI and will help Australia with both batting and bowling abilities. The Australian team lacked fifth bowling option in the first Test. He would be looking to impress in the 2nd Test if deemed fit.
He has been performing well for Australia in Test matches with both bat and ball. Cameron Green will be a big booster that would help them to balance the playing XI.
Mitchell Starc replacing Scott Boland
Mitchell Starc missed the first Test at Nagpur due to a finger injury. He has the ability to trouble the batters with his swing with the new ball and the ability to pick early wickets to put pressure on the opponent.
The Australian team struggled in the first Test as they could not early wicket. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul added 76 runs for the opening wicket laying a strong foundation for a big total. Boland looked impressive with his bowling but could not take any wickets.
Mitchell Starc could be one of the changes replacing Boland and will bolster the attack along with Pat Cummins, creating an impact for Indian batters.
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