Perth. Former Australia Test captain Michael Clarke criticized Usman Khawaja's decision to allow debutant opener Nathan McSweeney to bowl the first ball in Australia's second innings against India.
Thanks to centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli, India declared its second innings at 4876 and gave Australia a huge target of 534 runs.
By the end of the third day's play, Australia's troubles increased further. The hosts got off to a poor start in response to a huge target. Opener McSweeney could play only four balls and was out LBW on the ball of Jasprit Bumrah. On the fourth day, Khwaja also became a victim of Siraj.
“A lot of people don't like to play the first ball, so they rotate the opening batsmen,” Clarke said on Sky Sports' Big Sports Breakfast show. Khawaja played the first ball in the first innings, while McSweeney took the responsibility in the second innings. But I think Khawaja should have played the first ball in the second innings. I know you want to do this but let me enjoy it.”
He also criticized Australia that when India batted in the second innings and scored huge scores, there was no struggle with the ball and fielding on the field.
Clarke said, “It seemed like we were expecting to beat India again in short order, no pun intended. They were in front of us, but I didn't see any of our bowlers overpowering any of the Indian batsmen.” Look. Our intent, our energy… it all seemed a little lackluster for the first Test of the summer.”
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Image Credit: KhasKhabar.