Atleast I thought that Australia were the favourites to win the series before it started based on their impressive performances in Pakistan and Sri Lanka and also based on the suspect Indian top and middle order batsmen. Perhaps, just perhaps, if only Australia weren’t too arrogant and had played a couple of games before the 1st test, the series could have been won. They showed that in Indore after having learned from their mistakes at Delhi and Nagpur. Future tours to the sub-continent, especially to India, they will probably be a little bit more circumspect and would want to play some practise games. The takeaway for Australia after the series.
For a whole host of Australian cricketers, a series win in India will remain unfulfilled. Smith, Warner, Lyon, Khawaja and could be even Starc and Cummins, are unlikely to return to the country in 4 years time. The first test was a blip but from Delhi onwards, Australia found themselves on the driving seat except for one mad hour as Smith calls it. Prior to that, Axar Patel played a match winning innings which completely turned the game on its head. However, overall, Australia do have some gains and some disappointments throughout the series.
In Handscomb, Head, Murphy & Green, they have a nucleus of a side that may do better in the next tour of India.
The strangest decision
On the first morning of the first test, when the team sheets were exchanged, everyone were astounded to learn that Travis Head was dropped. He may have struggled in Pakistan and Sri Lanka but he pulverised attacks at home prior to the series. Regardless of the circumstances, Australia must have chosen Head. Who was his replacement? Matt Renshaw. The same Renshaw who floundered in the last series in 2017 was chosen ahead of Head. He did not go onto justify his selection with a couple of questionable shot selections. Head would not have performed any worse than Renshaw. Australia learned their lesson and went for Head from the next game onwards. A decision they will not regret. So, what or who were the real gains for Australia?
Todd Murphy, the apprentice
The emergence of Todd Murphy. Ever since the retirement of the great Shane Warne, Australia went through a whole lot of spinners in trying to replace the great. Their search ended when the selectors picked Nathan Lyon. Lyon over the course of his career has proven to be a wonderful bowler. He is not feted in the same way as an Ashwin or Jadeja or some of the Asian spinners but just a look at his record will show how wonderfully has he bowled and what a brilliant player has he been for Australia.
Now, history repeats itself. Lyon does not have too many years left and as such, Australia will again have to start their search. Luckily, in Todd Murphy, they seems to have found a readymade replacement while Lyon is still an active player. He took 7 wickets on his international debut, which was just his 8th first class game. Though he didn’t pick another rich haul, he bowled with great control and provided timely breakthroughs. The contest with Kohli stood out with Murphy getting his wicket 4 times.
Only problem with Murphy is that his career is likely to be staggered. Australia will not play any series in Asia atleast for another couple of years. With Lyon still playing and bowling well, Murphy will have to wait for another 3 years to command a place for himself. It is a problem being a spinner in Australia because the chances are few and far between.
Usman Khawaja’s redemption
Khawaja was told that he cannot play spin. Over the last couple of years, on the spinning wickets of Sri Lanka and India and the docile pitches of Pakistan, he has shown that not only can he survive in spin friendly conditions but can also prevail. The remarkable partnership with Green at Ahmedabad ensured that Australia had a shot at levelling the series until they ran into the brick wall of Kohli. At his age, he has had a remarkable second coming and now he turns to England where he was initially dropped.
The remarkable Green
Ever since he made his debut, Green has been marked as someone special. He is often compared with Ricky Ponting. He showed that the comparison may not be wrong with a brilliant hundred at Ahmedabad. Granted, the pitch was docile but when Green entered, they were in a spot of bother having just lost the 4th wicket. In the calming presence of Khawaja, Green started cautiously, grew in confidence and ended in a flourish. The highlight of the innings was the drive of the front foot.
His bowling allowed Australia to pick 3 spinners with him sharing the new ball. His challenge may well arise in England with the Ashes looming but for now, he can bask on the completion of his first hundred.
David Warner, the real disappointment
It was Warner’s 3rd series in India and inbetween, he had ample volume of opportunities in Asian conditions. Yet, time and again, he has been found wanting. He wasn’t sure whether to attack or defend. At Delhi, he played an innings that would have made Pujara blush. It is remarkable that after so many visits, he still hasn’t shown the inclination to improve his batting on the tough Indian wickets.
The Australian fast bowlers
The spinners were expected to play a major role but the Australian fast bowlers were expected to provide some timely wickets. Just 5 wickets among Cummins, Boland and Starc is not acceptable. In comparison, Shami took lot more than the Australian fast bowlers.
Wrapping up the takeway for Australia after the series
As mentioned above, the nucleus of the Australian side will once again visit these shores in 4 years time and will hope to do one better. It wasn’t a disastrous tour as everyone thought at the end of the first test. Hopefully, Australia will appreciate the value of preparation ahead of an Indian tour. We will have to wait for 4 years.