Greg Chappell Highlights Australia's Batting Woes

Former India coach Greg Chappell has raised concerns about Australia's faltering top order following their crushing 295-run defeat to India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener in Perth. This victory marked India's largest win by runs in Australia, surpassing their previous best in 1977, when they secured their first Test triumph Down Under in Melbourne. It also marked India's 10th Test win on Australian soil.

Despite a shaky start with India being bowled out for just 150 after choosing to bat first, stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah turned the tide with a scintillating five-wicket haul. His efforts limited Australia to a paltry 104, securing a crucial 46-run first-innings lead for India. Bumrah finished with eight wickets in the match, proving instrumental in India's dominant performance.

"Yet, it was Australia's batting performance that was more concerning. India's bowlers, spearheaded by the lethal Jasprit Bumrah, looked sharper and more menacing. By the way, please stop this nonsense of questioning Bumrah's action. It is unique, but it is unequivocally clean. It demeans a champion performer and the game to even bring it up. The top order is a major concern. To avoid forced changes, they must deliver in Adelaide," Chappell wrote in his column in The Sydney Morning Herald

Labuschagne Under Pressure to Perform

Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne is also in the spotlight after failing to deliver in Perth. He managed just 2 runs from 52 balls in the first innings and 3 runs from five deliveries in the second. Chappell observed that Labuschagne seems to be playing defensively rather than focusing on scoring runs.

In his column, Chappell wrote, “Marnus Labuschagne is under significant pressure. With just 330 runs in his last 16 innings, he must rediscover his rhythm and return to his aggressive, free-flowing approach. Two runs off 52 balls isn’t acceptable. A shift in mindset is crucial—batting to score runs rather than just surviving.”

Chappell also warned that while the Australian selectors are unlikely to make drastic changes now, any failure under the lights in Adelaide could trigger action.

Jaiswal Shines Bright in Historic Partnership

After dismissing Australia for 104, India capitalised on their lead thanks to an outstanding 201-run opening partnership between Yashasvi Jaiswal (161) and KL Rahul (77)—India's highest first-wicket stand in Australia. Their efforts helped set a mammoth target for the hosts, sealing India's commanding victory.

Chappell lavished praise on Jaiswal, calling him an “emerging superstar” who embodies fearlessness and the hallmark of Indian batting greats like Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli.

"The pitch became more favourable, and Jaiswal, along with Rahul, made the Australian attack look pedestrian. While Rahul’s class is well-established, Jaiswal is a rising star—a fearless talent poised to carry forward India’s legacy of batting excellence," Chappell remarked.

With India’s dominant performance and Australia’s batting woes under scrutiny, the upcoming Adelaide Test promises to be a critical juncture in the series.