Current World Test Champions, Australiasuffered a harsh defeat by A team margin of 295 runs in the first Test of Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25it marked a dramatic start to the series. captain Pat Cummins The side was left reeling as India outplayed Australia in their own game. The win was a landmark for India as they managed to strike the first big blow in this high-stakes series. This match not only showcased India’s strength but also put pressure on Australia’s line-up and led to calls for changes ahead of the next encounter.
Australia’s Mitchell Johnson is calling for the champion player to quit
The former Australian bowler is in the midst of the aftermath of the Perth loss Mitchell Johnson He advocated changes in Australia’s squad. Johnson called Marnus Labuschagne He will be released for the second Test in Adelaide on the grounds that he has struggled with the bat for a long time. Labuschagne’s poor run has been highlighted, scoring just 2 and 3 in the Perth Test and 23.57 in Tests since the start of last summer.
in a column for The NightlyJohnson stated, “Labuschagne – after long poor run with the bat – to be replaced for second Test in Adelaide”
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He further explained that it would be beneficial for Labuschagne to get away from the pressures of international cricket and play some domestic cricket, such as the Sheffield Shield or club cricket, to regain form and confidence. Johnson argued that this break would be more constructive than continuing to struggle against a formidable Indian attack led by the bowlers. jasprit bumrah.
“Honestly, at this stage the best thing for Labuschagne would be to stay out. It would give him a chance to play Sheffield Shield and away from the pressure of playing club cricket for your country and I think he would benefit more from that than trying to survive against Jasprit Bumrah and co.” added the 43-year-old.
Labuschagne’s recent struggles came under the microscope after the Australian defeat. His last 10 Test innings averaged just 13.66, with only one score exceeding 10 runs. This alarming form has led to intense scrutiny and calls for change. Johnson further emphasized that cricketers often face periods when they have to be thrown out and the measure of a player’s resilience is shown in how they respond to such challenges.
“Some will say, wait a minute, this is the first test of a long summer. But this has been going on for some time. In his past 10 Test innings, he has crossed 10 only once. “Cricketers get dropped at some point in their career and it’s about how you bounce back from it.” Johnson concluded.
Pink-ball Test against India at Adelaide
Attention now turns to Adelaide, where India and Australia will meet in the only pink-ball Test of the series. Scheduled to start on December 6, 2024 at the Adelaide Oval, the match will continue until December 10, barring any unexpected early result similar to what happened in Perth. The Adelaide Test is expected to offer a unique challenge with the pink ball, which has its own conditions and may affect team strategies and choices. Australia’s squad, including Labuschagne’s decisions, will be scrutinized as they look to bounce back from their first loss and take advantage of the different conditions the day-night format brings.
