December 25, 2024: Ahead of the highly anticipated Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Ravi Shastri, the former Indian all-rounder and head coach, shared his thoughts on Australia’s top-order struggles. With the series level at 1-1, Shastri noted that Australia’s top-order has been “brittle” and pointed out how India, particularly pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, has successfully exploited this vulnerability to keep the series alive.
Shastri was particularly critical of senior Australian batsmen like Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne, who have been underperforming throughout the series. Their failures have been notable given their past successes and the high expectations placed on them. As of now, Khawaja has managed just 63 runs in three Tests at a poor average of 12.60, Smith has scored 124 runs at an average of 24.80, and Labuschagne has 82 runs at an average of 16.40. Shastri emphasized that it has been a long time since he saw an Australian top-order so fragile, pointing out that India has been able to exploit these weaknesses to great effect.
“I think it has been pretty brittle,” Shastri said to news.com.au. “When you look at this Australian line-up, it has been a long time since I’ve seen an Australian line-up where the top order is that brittle. India has exploited that and continues to exploit it.” He credited Bumrah for playing a pivotal role in keeping India competitive in the series, highlighting how his exceptional performances have been a key factor in India’s position.
Shastri also noted the underwhelming form of Khawaja, Smith, and Labuschagne in recent Tests, with all three failing to deliver consistent big scores in the year following their ICC World Test Championship win. Their averages have significantly dropped, with Khawaja experiencing a steep decline in his recent form. Shastri’s comments reflect growing concerns within the Australian camp about their inability to get consistent contributions from their top order.
However, Shastri did offer praise for the younger Australian batsman, Sam Konstas, who is set to open alongside Khawaja in the Boxing Day Test. Shastri hailed Konstas as the “future of Australian cricket,” describing him as “flamboyant” and “refreshing.” He acknowledged Konstas’ flair and attacking style but also pointed out that in Test cricket, he would need to refine his technique. Konstas, who played a crucial role in Australia’s ICC Under-19 World Cup 2024 triumph, has shown tremendous promise. His recent performances, including a match-winning knock in the Australia A vs. India A series and a remarkable 107 in a warm-up match against India, have elevated his reputation. In the ongoing Sheffield Shield season, Konstas is in superb form, ranking among the top run-scorers with an average of 58.87.
Shastri expressed optimism about Konstas’ future in Test cricket, suggesting that his aggressive approach could be just what Australia needs to challenge India. “You need someone who can take the attack to the Indian team, because the punches were coming from nowhere,” he said, referring to Konstas’ ability to put pressure on the opposition.
Shastri also commented on the exclusion of Nathan McSweeney, who had a tough series, scoring only 72 runs at an average of 14.40. Shastri termed McSweeney’s ouster as “unfortunate” but suggested that the middle-order batsman could rebuild his career in the upcoming tours, particularly in Sri Lanka next year.
In summary, Shastri’s remarks provide a detailed insight into the current challenges facing the Australian top-order, especially the struggles of their senior batsmen. While acknowledging the pressure on the Australian side, he expressed optimism about younger players like Konstas, who could play a key role in Australia’s future success in Test cricket.
