Australia Playing XI 2nd Test: IND AUS Delhi Test – Alarm bells have rung in Australia’s dressing room which would make it for a great episode of The Test. But before that, Australia are in a face-saving situation. With IND vs AUS Delhi Test set to provide another turner, Australia are considering dropping veteran David Warner for an extra spinner in Matt Kuhnemann. It’s still not confirm whether Josh Hazlewood or Cameron Green will be able to make it in time. But Mitchell Starc is set to come back. Follow India vs Australia LIVE Updates on InsideSport.IN.
Nagpur served as a big lesson forat Cummins & Co. Two off-spinners in the team brought in no variation whatsoever. Marnus Labuschagne did bowl a few overs but he isn’t an established spinner to trouble any Indian batter. Hence, the World No 1 Test team are looking for horses for courses option and bring in left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann. Travis Head is likely to replace Warner in the Playing XI.
Australia Playing XI 2nd Test: After Nagpur SHOCKER, Australia set to drop David Warner for extra spinner in Delhi Test, Follow IND vs AUS LIVE Updates
However, Mitchell Swepson, who otherwise has been a great weapon in turning conditions, is unavailable. He is returning home for the birth of his child.
As for Travis Head, his exclusion created an uproar in Australian media. But he too has struggled in the middle order in the sub-continent. Australia could push Head in the opening slot with Khawaja, dropping Warner. There has been a lot of chatter about sending Head as an opener after his struggles in the middle-order in Asia. If Cameron Green is fit to play, he will come in place of Matt Renshaw.
However, Australia have to find an answer to their left-hand concerns. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja owned them as 5 Aussie left-handers scored a combined 67 runs. They averaged just 6.70. Warner scored 1 & 10.
“David has been around long enough. And I know he’s had plenty of opportunities. But I think you’ve got to give him at least the next Test match to get it right. As Warner and Usman Khawaja found out, they bat at the top of the order and faced Ravi Ashwin with the new ball, and then four overs later got Ravi Jadeja,” former Australia captain Mark Taylor told Wide World of Sports.
Australia Playing XI 2nd Test: What changes to expect in Delhi Test?
- Cameron Green and Josh Hazlewood are two big question marks.
- Australia will wait till both get clearance.
- If Green is fit, he will straightaway comes in for Matt Renshaw.
- Travis Head will replace David Warner in that case.
- Mitchell Starc is also fit and available for the 2nd Test.
- Mitchell Starc will replace Scott Boland.
- Todd Murphy and Nathan Lyon both will keep their places.
- Left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann is likely to come in for Peter Handscomb.
Predicted Australia line-up for Delhi Test:
- David Warner/ Travis Head
- Usman Khawaja
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steven Smith
- Peter Handscomb/ Cameron Green (if fit to play)
- Alex Carey(w)
- Matt Kuhnemann
- Pat Cummins(c)
- Nathan Lyon
- Todd Murphy
- Mitchell Starc
Australia Squad: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey(w), Pat Cummins(c), Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Todd Murphy, Matt Kuhnemann, Peter Handscomb, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green, Lance Morris
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