IND vs AUS: Nagpur Test uncovered Australia’s weak point in opposition to spin, have to adapt shortly, says Ian Chappell
The legendary Ian Chappell feels Australia’s capitulation within the first Test in opposition to India has uncovered their frailties in opposition to spin, and stated the touring Pat Cummins-led facet must adapt to the situations shortly.
He requested Australia to cease fascinated by pitches in India and simply focus on their job.
Spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja bamboozled Australia on a typical red-soil wicket because the guests crumbled to their lowest complete in India — 91 — to endure an innings defeat inside three days in Nagpur on Saturday.
“The first Test has exposed Australia’s weakness against good spin bowling on turning pitches,” the previous Australian captain wrote in his column for ESPNCricinfo.
“If they can ensure this setback doesn’t mean their mental capacity to cope in India is not dented, it will keep them in the series. If they waver, they are in big trouble,” Chappell added.
India confronted typical pitch doctoring allegations within the build-up to the Nagpur Test however the Australian batting nice opined that it was “by no means impossible to play on.” “The noise was exactly that in the case of the pitch. Not unexpectedly, it turned out to be nothing more than a fairly typical first-day Indian red-soil wicket,” Chappell wrote.
“It was under no circumstances unimaginable to play on, as Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith confirmed, however Australia didn’t publish a testing first-innings complete.
“The media making allegations about pitch-doctoring is nothing new. Players have to ignore this little recreation or else it has a debilitating impact on the visiting workforce.
“Far too much emphasis is put on how pitches are going to play and on doctoring. It’s worth remembering that both teams have to play on the same pitch,” he added.
He stated India at the moment boast of a robust facet and has the flexibility to win in any situations.
“The reality is that India have developed into a very strong side all round the world, with a special feel for how to win at home,” the 79-year-old wrote.
Citing instance of Rohit Sharma’s “masterful” century that took India to 400 within the first innings, he wrote: “If Australia, who have a weakness against spin in India, don’t adapt to conditions quickly, they are going to suffer the same fate that has befallen other visiting sides.”
Chappell additional questioned the omission of off-spin all-rounder Travis Head.
“The omission of Travis Head, despite his troubles against good spinners, was difficult to fathom. The choice of off-spinner Todd Murphy in his first Test after only seven first-class games was brave. Nevertheless it also displayed great faith in Murphy’s skills,” he wrote.
“In the end the choice Australia made, to favour economy over wicket-taking potential, quickly took its toll and India capitalised on bowlers tiring from a heavy workload,” he added.
