Nathan Lyon led the way in the Delhi disaster, but Australia need more from their superstar players if they are to win a game in India. Here are our player ratings for the second Test.
David Warner – 3.5
Fighting for his spot, the veteran could manage only 15 in a torturous knock where he was concussed and suffered a hairline fracture to the elbow. Travis Head’s innings as opener does not bode well for Warner, who showed tremendous courage to bat on. The heart is still willing but does he still have the game?
David Warner bats on day one of the second Test.Credit:Getty Images
Usman Khawaja – 7.5
Australia’s best batter this match, the left-hander was brought undone by two stunning catches, though he put himself at risk in the second innings by paddling to a man placed for that shot. His freak dismissal for a game-high 81 was a turning point on the first day, denying Australia the 300 they believed would have put them in the box seat in the first innings. Should gain plenty of confidence.
Marnus Labuschagne – 5.5
The world’s top-ranked batter looks to have a big score in him but cannot convert his starts into substantial agenda-setting innings against India’s high-class spinners. He can at least draw comfort that it is taking excellent bowling to get him out. So much is riding on his blade. What’s happened to his bowling?
Steve Smith – 2
The modern great’s match tally of nine is the third lowest of his Test career in games in which he has been dismissed twice. Dismissed by a gem in the first innings, he was one of six who perished to the sweep in the second. Is he carrying a back injury? It might explain his poor sweep and missed chances at slip where he cannot get down low enough for balls at his feet.
Travis Head – 6
Selectors said he was picked for his bowling, but he proved a revelation opening after Warner’s withdrawal. His breezy 43 is the type of knock selectors want at the top of the order in these conditions. Anything was possible when he got going in the second dig. Looked more confident facing spin when the ball is new. India will do their homework on him.
Peter Handscomb – 7
A fine game by the Victorian, who has become the most dependable player in Australia’s top seven. Such is the trust he has in his defence, Handscomb does not have to buy into the proactive approach asked of his teammates. No.6 feels a spot too low for him. His fielding was excellent, playing a part in two bizarre catches. Selectors have got this call right.
Alex Carey – 5
The wicketkeeper’s work behind the stumps has been high class, but it’s time for him to review his play in front of them. Carey’s reliance on the reverse sweep has now brought him undone on three of his four innings. He is dying by the sword more than he is living. His technique is sound enough to adopt a more conventional strategy. Has impressed with his keeping, particularly to low balls. He finally has a Test stumping.
Pat Cummins – 4
Another quiet game for the skipper, who is well below his best with the ball. The featherbeds have blunted his pace, but it is taking a longer time for him to find his range. Curiously, he did not bowl himself at all in the second innings. Was it conditions-based, a loss of confidence or a sign of injury? Ugly swipe in collapse undid fighting knock on day one.
Nathan Lyon – 8
One of the finest performances of the GOAT’s career. The veteran tweaker spun Australia into a commanding position with his 22nd five-for but did not have enough runs to defend in the fourth innings. With two gallops under the belt now, Lyon should have the match fitness and confidence to go on with it in the final two games.
Nathan Lyon (right) after snaring the wicket of KL Rahul on day two.Credit:Getty Images
Todd Murphy – 6.5
The youngster continues to impress. A strong follow-up to his sensational debut, the Victorian hardly bowled a bad ball. The scalps of Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel were just reward for his accuracy and control. Clearly Australia’s second-best spinner this game so surprising he did not get more overs, but a sore side may partially explain why.
Matthew Kuhnemann – 4.5
A serviceable debut by the left-armer, who was thereabouts but lacked the penetration to put India under the pump. Was found wanting at key moments late on the second day and when Australia needed wickets in pushing for a miracle. Would be hard to keep him in if Mitchell Starc or Josh Hazlewood are ready. Can always say he dismissed the great Virat Kohli for his first Test victim.
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