Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri spoke about the struggles of the Australian cricket team as he highlighted the lack of energy and aggression in their high-order batting. Shastri pointed out that the Australian cricket team sorely misses David Warner's aggressive playing style and leadership at the top, and the current opening batsmen are yet to fill that void.
The quick removal of Nathan McSweeney from the Test squad after just three Tests for the ongoing 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India has sparked strong reactions among the Australian cricket fraternity and fans. McSweeney was given the difficult task of opening the batting for the first time in his red-ball career and failed to make an impact against India.
Ravi Shastri says the Australian cricket team feels David Warner's absence
Nathan McSweeney struggled against India's quality bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, scoring just one score above 10 in his six innings, finishing with a disappointing average of 14.4. Steve Smith, on the other hand, has been inconsistent, averaging just 24.8 in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against India at home.
Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja have also been completely out of form, with both averaging less than 17 years of age and just half a century separating them. Only Travis Head has been in excellent form in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, and that is a major concern for the Kangaroos.
Ahead of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, Shastri said Australia misses the attacking presence of David Warner, who made a huge impact on opposing teams during his decade-long career. He stressed that India was able to run freely because no one attacked them.
The Australian team is sorely missing David Warner: Ravi Shastri
Fox Cricket quoted Ravi Shastri as saying: “He was coming; Someone had to move from the top because there were no punches coming from anywhere. India was allowed to pounce on them. They need someone to take charge of the attack, and this is where Australia are sorely missing David Warner. This is where Australia will realize the impact Warner had on opponents during the decade he played.
The former Indian coach also expressed his sympathy to Nathan McSwiney. The commentator acknowledged McSweeney's performance in Adelaide but noted that he was not suitable for the opening role. Shastri suggested that when Australia visits Sri Lanka, McSweeney should be placed in the middle order, where he can develop his career.
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“McSwiney again,” Shastri said. You feel sorry for him because he played well in Adelaide, but he's not an opening batsman. I think when Australia go to Sri Lanka very soon, he should be back in the team. Let him build his career in the middle order.
Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne struggle under immense pressure to deliver: Ravi Shastri
The former Indian captain stated that Nathan McSweeney faced early removal, but he is young and still has time to recover and get another opportunity in the future. But that is not the case with Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne, who are now under enormous pressure to score goals.
Shastri concluded his speech by saying: “There will be pressure; There is huge pressure on Al Khawaja and also Marnos to get going. He could have been the fall guy, McSweeney. But he is still young, he has time, and in time they will give him a chance to come back again.
