India’s Struggles in Australia: Series of Missed Opportunities
India’s Struggles in Australia: A Series of Missed Opportunities
The phenomenal reign of India over the Border Gavaskar Trophy finally ended as they lost the series 1-3 against Australia. India failed to retain the five-match Test series ending on January 5 in Sydney for the first time since 2015. Getting off to a flying start in the series, there were many reasons behind the falling short of the Asian giants: inconsistent performances, questionable strategies, and misfiring seniors.
As India closed their second World Test Championship (WTC) cycle on a disappointing note, here’s an analysis of the key moments that brought their downfall.
A Fragile Batting Order
India’s batting, though, had only once surged past 300 across nine innings. While Yashasvi Jaiswal (391 runs) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (298 runs) rose to the occasion, India’s experience in the middle of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma fell flat. Kohli had managed just 190 runs in the series despite a century in the first Test, while Rohit’s tally of 31 runs from six innings was abysmal.
Frequent shuffling in the batting order to accommodate players brought further instability to India’s lineup. Changes in the opening combinations and adjustments to the middle order did not allow the team to get into the rhythm. Poor contributions from senior members were a big contributing factor to such dismal returns of the team.
Bowling Efforts: A One-Man Army
And its top order failed to rise to the challenge, with the team crossing the 300-run barrier on only one occasion in its nine innings. While young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal rose to 391 runs and Nitish Kumar Reddy 298, no other established batsmen clicked. Kohli, after a century in the opening Test, ended up with a mere 190 runs in the series. The captain Rohit was even worse, getting just 31 runs in six innings.
This further weakened India’s lineup, with instability in the batting order due to constant shuffling to accommodate players. Opening combinations and mid-order changes did not allow the team to get into a rhythm. The inability of senior players to rise to the occasion was also one of the main reasons for below-par results.
Leadership and Strategic Errors
The standout performer in these conditions had to be Jasprit Bumrah, as he picked up 32 scalps with a brilliant average of 13.06 to go along with three five-fors each to emerge as the best bowler of the series. More importantly, though, there has been substantial support around Bumrah.
While Mohammed Siraj managed 20 wickets, he was not as consistent; the inexperienced trio of Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, and Nitish Kumar Reddy just could not deliver enough telling spells. This lack of collective effort forced Bumrah to shoulder most of the responsibility, often leaving the team vulnerable.
What Went Wrong in Selection
Team selection was also a cause of worry for India. While playing three specialist seamers and two all-rounders clicked in the first Test, it started to be a problem as the series wore on. The lack of a settled top-order combination and the non-inclusion of a specialist spinner at vital junctures hurt India’s cause.
The frequent chopping and changing disturbed the rhythm of the side, and the loss of form of KL Rahul and changes in the batting position of Rohit only messed it up.
Conclusion
India’s inability to function as a team finally cost them the series. Brilliance oozed out in bits and pieces, but it was the collective effort that seemed missing. To do better in the coming tournaments, the team has to sort out the strategic flaws and regain focus.
Cricket followers can watch live cricket free and relive the moments from this intense series on Winexch, where the “godfather of cricket” meets its passionate fans.
FAQs
- What was the result of the India-Australia Test series?
India lost the five-match Test series to Australia by 1-3.
- Who was the standout performer for India in the series?
Jasprit Bumrah was the best amongst all, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with his 32 wickets in the series.
- Why did India lose the series?
Lack of batting consistency, important strategic errors, and the rest of the bowling not backing up Jasprit Bumrah are factors for which India lost this series.
- How was the form of the senior players?
As far as the seniors go, both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli did poorly, neither of them making meaningful contributions.
- On which channel can fans catch the highlights of the series?
Fans can watch live cricket for free and enjoy the highlights of this series on Winexch, your one-stop home for cricket.
