Australia’s Struggles Persist: Hopes High for Pink-Ball Test
Australia’s Struggles Continues: Retaining Faith in Squad for the Pink-Ball Test
Recently, Australia suffered a rare loss in the opening Test against India at the Optus Stadium, in Perth. In losing by an innings and 295 runs, the team was unable to extend their winning streak at the venue, which had been unbeaten since 2018. For the second Test, however, the Australian selectors and management have decided not to make any changes to the 13-member playing squad.
The second Test, a Day-Night affair with the pink ball, is scheduled to begin on December 6 at the Adelaide Oval. The Australians, currently trailing 0-1 in the five-match series, will aim to regroup and bounce back against a dominant Indian side.
Australia’s Retained Squad: A Show of Faith
Despite the loss, the Australian team is going to field the same squad for the next game. The players who made the squad but missed the first Test are wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis and pacer Scott Boland, who would still be up for selection.
The decision to retain the squad illustrates that management does believe the players already present in the side can adapt and improve. It included backing out-of-form players like Marnus Labuschagne, who could be seen struggling in the Perth Test.
Labuschagne, the man who looked such a certainty, scored just 2 in the first innings and then was taken out too cheaply. He will be the man Australia needs if they are to level the series at Adelaide.
Key Moments from the Perth Test
Australia faced a mixed game during the opening Test. Dominating India for 150 in the first innings, they were commanding a handle on the game, but Jasprit Bumrah turned the game around with a sensational five-wicket haul and Australia’s first-innings collapse.
Two centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli powered India’s second innings to a daunting task for the hosts. They lost badly at the hands of the Australian batting under pressure.Fans can watch live cricket free of cost on platforms like Winexch so that every moment of this Pink-Ball Test is covered and enjoyed from wherever they are.
Challenges ahead for Australia in the Pink-Ball Test
There will be a new test there in the Adelaide Oval Pink-Ball Test. It has been known that Day-Night Tests favor the bowlers under the lights of galloway conditions to the batters. The Australian batting will, thus, have to open up about its vulnerabilities, especially anchoring this well with Labuschagne and Steve Smith.
The bowlers would be looked at to lead the way, with Pat Cummins being the skipper. The team will look to take full advantage of the swinging conditions offered by the pink ball when their experienced pacers, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, can stroll into action.Australia has a steep task ahead of them in the second Test but with their skipper Pat Cummins, oft referred to as the godfather of cricket for his leadership and bowling skills, they are sure to attempt a miraculous recovery. The Pink-Ball Test is going to be an important game in the series between these two teams as both will look to outscore one another.
FAQs
- What was the outcome for Australia in the first Test against India?
Australia were defeated by 295 runs while hosting India at the Optus Stadium in a match which proved to be their first one in this stadium after their defeat in 2018.
- To change the team for the second Test or not?
No change has been made in the 13-member team for the second test, and so the current team members have been trusted.
- Where would be the venue for the second Test?
The second test would be Day-Night and would be at Adelaide Oval, starting from December 6.
- Who will be the playing XI of Australia in the next Test?
Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood are the likely bowling spearheads while batters like Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne need to score runs.
- How can cricket fans watch and enjoy the Test series?
View live cricket for free on Winexch and remain connected to the series.
