Chappell added that the noise around the camp was not unexpected but asked Australia to stop thinking about the camps in India and just focus on their work.
“It wasn’t impossible at all to keep playing, like Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith showed, but Australia failed to post a Test first innings total. Media making allegations about pitch doctoring is nothing new. The players have to ignore this little play or else it has a debilitating effect on the away team,” the former Australian captain wrote in his column for ESPNCricinfo.
India has been facing typical PhD charges in the field in preparing for the Nagpur test.
“The noise was exactly that in the case of the pitch. Not unexpectedly, it turned out to be nothing more than a typical first day Indian clay wicket,” wrote Chappell.
Chappell also believes Australia’s capitulation in the First Test against India has exposed their frailties against the spin and said the Pat Cummins-led touring side must adapt quickly to conditions.
The spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja outwitted Australia on a typical clay wicket as the visitors collapsed to their lowest total in India – 91 – to suffer an innings defeat in three days at Nagpur on Saturday.
“The first Test highlighted Australia’s weakness against good spin bowling on rotating pitches. If they can secure this setback it doesn’t mean their mental ability to cope in India isn’t affected, it will keep them in the series. If they falter, they’re in big trouble,” added Chappell.
“There is too much emphasis on how the pitches will play and on care. It is worth remembering that both teams have to play on the same pitch,” he added.
He said India currently boasts a strong squad and has the ability to win under any conditions.
“The reality is that India have developed into a very strong team around the world, with a special feel for how to win at home,” wrote the 79-year-old.
Citing the example of Rohit Sharma’s “masterful” century which took India to 400 in the first innings, he wrote: “If Australia, who have a penchant against spin in India, do not adapt quickly to conditions, will suffer the same fate that befell other visiting parties”.
Chappell further questioned the omission of the out-of-rotation all-rounder Travis head.
“Travis Head’s omission, despite his woes against good spinners, was hard to understand. The off-spinner pick Tod Murphy in his first Test after only seven first-class matches he was brave. However he also showed great faith in Murphy’s abilities,” he wrote.
“In the end Australia’s choice to favor economy over wicket-taking potential quickly took its toll and India capitalized on bowlers tired from a heavy workload,” he added. .
(With inputs from PTI)
