The World number 1 ranked Test side lost the first Test match against India by innings and 132 runs in two-half days. It was a disappointing performance by the Australian side being bowled cheaply in the first innings.
Australia struggled with their bowling as they could not bowl India cheaply in their first innings. The second innings was a disappointing effort as managed just 91 runs to suffer an embarrassing defeat.
Here we look at the 3 reasons why Australia lost the first Test against India
Australia’s inability to play Indian spinners
Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss on day 1 and elected to bat first. They could not capitalize on the chance as they lost 2 early wickets. Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith looked in decent touch keeping the scoreboard ticking. David Warner and Usman Khawaja could not provide decent starts in both innings.
Right after the lunch break, Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja which led to a collapse. Ravindra Jadeja was the pick of bowlers for Team India with 5 for 47 while Ravichandran Ashwin took 3 wickets to bowl out Australia for a modest total of 177.
The second inning was a disappointing affair for the Australian team. This time around, Ravichandran Ashwin was the pick of bowlers for the Indian team with 5 wickets, Jadeja 2, and Axar Patel 1. Australia was bundled out for just 91 runs in the second innings.
Wrong Playing XI
The Australian team picked up the wrong playing XI for the first Test match. They decided to play with only four bowlers including debutant Todd Murphy picking up 7 wickets, and Nathan Lyon grabbed just 1 wicket. Pat Cummins took 2 wickets while Scott Boland did not pick any wickets.
They bought in Peter Handscomb replacing Travis Head in the playing XI. Handscomb struggled in the match with 31 in the first innings and just 6 during 2nd innings. With the pitch helpful for spinners, Ashton Agar could have been an ideal choice.
Nathan Lyon struggled with his rhythm picking up 1 wicket while Todd Murphy took 7 wickets. The pitch had a turn and bounce but a lack of support for Murphy cost Australia a huge lead in the first innings.
Letting Indian lower-order batters score runs
Australia provided some spark reducing India to 240 for 7. Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel showed intent on keeping the scoreboard ticking. Steve Smith dropped chances as Jadeja and Axar kept the pressure on Australian bowlers.
Todd Murphy got the early breakthrough for Australia by getting rid of Jadeja. Jadeja and Axar added 88 runs for the 8th wicket. Mohammed Shami and Axar Patel scored some valuable runs. The fielding and catching of the Australian team looked ordinary as Steve Smith dropped two chances, and Scott Boland one.
Shami and Axar Patel added 52 runs for the 9th wicket. Mohammed Siraj played with solid defensive technique facing 19 deliveries. Despite Murphy’s 7 wickets, India took a massive lead of 223 runs. Axar Patel was dismissed for 84.
Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Mohammed Shami scored 191 runs between them to help India take a huge lead.
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