‘Shambolic’: Australia sinks to record low

Here’s how Wide World of Sports graded the Australians after the Delhi debacle.

DAVID WARNER – 2/10

Mohammed Shami hit him twice in the space of a few overs in the first morning – once on the elbow off a top edge, and then again under the grill, again off a top edge. Despite making it through the first hour, he never looked settled at the crease and looked particularly vulnerable to Shami’s short ball. Was eventually undone by a straightening ball that moved away. It was a scratchy 15 that would have done nothing to silence the doubters calling for him to be dropped. He was ruled out of the rest of the game due to concussion protocols due to that Shami blow, and then later revealed he was batting with a broken elbow.

USMAN KHAWAJA – 7

Looked fantastic in Australia’s first innings, and looked on to score what would have been a brilliant ton before he was undone by an all-time classic catch by KL Rahul. Didn’t really get a chance to settle in the second innings when he was caught at leg slip – the first of six Aussies to be dismissed sweeping. Probably still the pick of the Aussie batters though. To that point in the second innings he seemed content to play an anchor role as Travis Head looked to play aggressively down the other end, which brings us to…

TRAVIS HEAD – 7

When David Warner was subbed from the match for Matthew Renshaw, Head was thrust up the order – having never opened at a higher level than grade cricket in the red-ball format – to reinstate the left-right opening combination that has become Australian cricket SOP. He did exactly what was expected of him. Filled Warner’s aggressive boots perfectly, and guided Australia to stumps with a healthy lead on day two. Copped a good ball in the first over on day three. His first innings was also cut short by another great catch by KL Rahul at slip. With Warner’s form no doubt on the decline, Head may have just thrust himself to the front of the queue to replace him.

MARNUS LABUSCHAGNE – 5

Was done with by a good ball in the first innings, and looked a little scratchy but was working hard in the second innings when Jadeja threw the quicker and flatter one at him, he played back and he got an edge off the bottom of his bat onto his off-peg. As the No.3, Australia probably needed Labuschagne to make a big score here. It will go down as another missed opportunity.

STEVE SMITH – 1

It’s hard to think of a worse Test for Steve Smith. A second ball duck in the first innings, followed by a scratchy nine in the second, and was the second to be out sweeping. His fielding woes continued, missing what was probably a tricky catch at a crucial time in India’s first innings. He didn’t get a chance to bowl in this match either. Not to say he would’ve been the difference, but it certainly wouldn’t have hurt to throw him the ball during the strong eighth-wicket stand between Ashwin and Axar. The greats all have bad Tests, but this is undeniably a lean period for the former skipper.

MATTHEW RENSHAW – 0.5

Dropped for this Test, he got a recall as David Warner’s concussion substitute. He was ordinary in the first Test, and no better in the second innings in Delhi. Renshaw clearly has little confidence in his defensive capabilities, which goes some way towards explaining his tendency to sweep wherever possible. He also missed a catch in India’s first innings that might have given Australia an extra 20 or 30 run lead. Renshaw’s tour of India has been shambolic to date, and with the next two matches scheduled to be played on red soil pitches – which are known for becoming total dust bowls – it’s not about to get any easier for him. Warner is in a race against the clock to be fit, and you would think he will slot back into the side at Renshaw’s expense. But considering his form with the bat, and the fact he doesn’t bowl, selectors might be better off going with a Mitchell Starc for Indore.

PETER HANDSCOMB – 6

His 72-not out without a doubt rescued Australia’s first innings, but his second-innings duck probably cost him a higher rating. It was a nothing shot – just kind of poking at Jadeja, which did nothing but give Kohli catching practice at first slip.

ALEX CAREY – 5

With the bat, he was shocking. Falling for a duck in the first innings, and then played an even worse sweep in the second innings, at a time when – as the last recognised batter in the lineup – he really needed to stand up. His glovework was excellent in both innings though, and that saved him from a lower rating. His batting remains a concern though.

PAT CUMMINS – 4

His 33 while batting in tandem with Peter Handscomb in the first innings was a brilliant reminder of what he’s capable of with a bat in his hand. The skipper’s bowling was OK too in the first innings – picked up Ravi Ashwin with the new ball, and he wasn’t too expensive. But he didn’t bowl himself at all in the second innings, even when it was clear Australia were cooked. I’m still not convinced he’s figured out how to captain in India. Didn’t bowl Smith or Labuschagne at all, and only gave Travis Head two overs.

NATHAN LYON – 8

He had a great match. He took five wickets in the first innings, and had the ball on a string in the half-hour before lunch on day two. Despite batting at No.10 and No.9 respectively, Lyon showed a hell of a lot more resistance with the bat than some of his more fancied colleagues higher up the order. His experience in the subcontinent showed through in this second Test. He will be licking his lips at the prospect of playing on another turner in Indore.

TODD MURPHY – 5

After taking seven on debut, it was always going to be hard for Todd Murphy to follow up that performance. He was solid if unspectacular, but did pick up the crucial wicket of Axar Patel in the first innings when he got his hands on the new ball.

MATT KUHNEMANN – 4

A solid debut – another who can list Virat Kohli as his first Test wicket. Bowled OK, but was expensive at times. Some of the Indian batters really seemed to target him, particularly in the second innings, when he went wicketless in his seven overs, but got tonked for 38. Not sure he will hold his place in the side should selectors decide to pick an extra quick for Indore.

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