Australia Takes the Lead – Will India Step Up?

Australia

Melbourne: Three Tests Done, Two to Go – A Turning Point Awaits

As the series reaches its all-important Boxing Day Test on December 26, both teams are looking to make the most of their decisions. The scoreline at three and two matches each reflects more than just numbers; it reflects strategies and challenges both managements must address. While Australia has had Josh Hazlewood sitting out due to workload, India has been rocked by R Ashwin’s surprise retirement.

Now that the stage is set for the next battle, cricket will take center stage once again. Both teams have had ample opportunities to evaluate their strategies and performances, and it’s time to implement changes where needed. Australia has already taken decisive steps, dropping opener Nathan McSweeney in favor of the promising Sam Konstas. Besides, fast bowlers Jhye Richardson and Sean Abbott have been brought into the squad, while all-rounder Beau Webster retains his place.

The decision to bring Konstas reflects the intent to inject aggression into the top order of Australia. They have failed to apply sufficient pressure on the Indian bowling line-up with their present combination, including McSweeney, Usman Khawaja, and Marnus Labuschagne. However, Konstas had already indicated his attacking skills with a century – 107 off 97 balls – during a tour game against India in Canberra. His dynamic style could offer Australia the kind of spark they previously relied on from David Warner. However, whether the 19-year-old will feature in the playing XI remains to be seen.

“You can say the way our top three have been playing has been reasonably similar, and we’d like the ability to throw something different at India on the back of that,” Australia’s selection chairman George Bailey said. “If you look more broadly, I don’t think the top six has quite performed to the level we need in this series. Sam’s method and style offer a unique perspective if we decide to go in that direction.”

Whereas that is happening, the Indians have scheduled three practice sessions leading up to the test on Boxing Day, despite taking a rest day Friday. It will be highly important in assessing some needed changes, especially with that underperforming top order.

Although there have been a few instances where KL Rahul has shown rare brightness by maintaining an average consistently, the rest of the batting order has underperformed. Yashasvi Jaiswal hasn’t been consistent and Shubman Gill is scoring only at 20 on average and Virat Kohli at 31.55 with his century. Rohit Sharma, the skipper is scoring at a woefully inadequate 6.33, and Rishabh Pant has been at 19.20.

India would unlikely bring in new players from the country but is likely to look at their net performance for direction. Akash Deep impressed going into the Adelaide Test and justified his inclusion into Brisbane. Ravindra Jadeja, brought in at Ashwin’s expense, could help bat a bit too, but again the big question here: will India go that radical about their batting combinations?

At some point, the management has to punish non-performers. Reputation alone cannot carry players indefinitely. Rahul’s approach serves as an example for others, blending aggression with calculated risk.

Both teams face contrasting challenges—Australia’s top order has been overly cautious, while India’s has leaned toward recklessness. Striking the right balance will be key to finding the final pieces of their respective puzzles.

With the series on the line, every decision counts. The players know it better than anyone—the stakes have never been higher.


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