The world number one team were crushed in three days on a dry pitch on Saturday, outclassed by twins Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Australia’s second innings total of 91 was India’s lowest ever.
“Pat Cummins‘ The team were humiliated in the first Nagpur Test match,’ wrote the Australian newspaper.
She said questions about the decision to drop out needed to be asked Travis headone of their standout players during the summer at home, and how long veteran opener David Warner can stay in Test cricket after failing again.
The Sydney Morning Herald said Australia had suffered “a brutal reality check in its quest for world domination by Indian spin masters”, while Sydney’s Daily Telegraph urged change.
“Travis Head’s elimination looked silly on day one and downright silly on day three after Australia’s terrible performance,” said the Telegraph. “He has to come back. But Travis Head alone wouldn’t have resurrected the Titanic.”
Former captain Allan Border said the team would be “embarrassed” and would be left with “so many scars”.
“I hope our players are embarrassed by that performance. It’s just poor throughout. It’s hard to believe it happened so fast,” he told Fox Sports. “It feels like we’ve been overthinking this particular tour and who should be there, who shouldn’t be there. We started as badly as possible. Let’s hope it bottoms out.”
Mark Waugh, a selector during Australia’s 2017 campaign in India, also said boss and all-rounder Cameron Green, if fit, should be recalled for the second Test in Delhi.
“There have been too many bruises from this game to go on (with the current squad),” he said. “If Cameron Green is fit, he has to come in and Head has to come back.”
This would likely see Matt Renshaw dropped, with Scott Boland also at risk should Green return.
Mitchell Starc could also be an option, with the pace spearhead expected to join the squad this week after recovering from a serious finger injury.
(With input from AFP)
