Australian Media Criticizes Team After Crushing Perth Test Defeat to India

Australia’s cricket team faced intense scrutiny from the national media following their record 295-run loss to India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener at Perth’s Optus Stadium. The defeat, which marked India’s first Test win at the venue and Australia’s first loss there, triggered a wave of harsh critiques, highlighting concerns about the team’s form and unity.

Headlines like “Australia’s humiliation has been a year in the making” from The Australian emphasized the long-standing struggles of Australia’s star players. Batting stalwarts such as Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, and Travis Head have all experienced significant declines in their Test averages since the 2023 World Test Championship (WTC) final win against India.

• Labuschagne: 658 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 27.41, with only one century.
• Smith: 755 runs in 13 Tests at 32.82, including one century.
• Head: 731 runs in 13 Tests at 30.45.
• Alex Carey: 593 runs in 13 Tests at 28.23.

While Usman Khawaja (955 runs at 38.20) and Mitchell Marsh (803 runs at 44.61) have fared slightly better, the broader batting lineup has been underperforming.

The Sydney Morning Herald encapsulated the nation’s frustration with its headline, “How the hell did that happen? The tough questions Australia must answer.” It pointed to issues ranging from the form of senior players to the inefficacy of Australia’s iconic bowling quartet—Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon.

Labuschagne, in particular, faced severe criticism for his dismal performance—scores of 2 (52 balls) and 3 in the two innings. A separate headline described his efforts as a “horror show.”

India’s triumph was even more remarkable given their recent struggles, including a 0-3 home series loss to New Zealand—their first home whitewash in over a decade. Entering the Perth Test with questions over form, especially for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the team responded emphatically.

Match Highlights

• India’s First Innings: India managed only 150, with vital contributions from Nitish Kumar Reddy (41) and Rishabh Pant (37). Josh Hazlewood led Australia’s attack with figures of 4/29.
• Australia’s Reply: The hosts collapsed to 104, giving India a slender 46-run lead. Jasprit Bumrah starred with 5/30, supported by debutant Harshit Rana (3/48).
• India’s Second Innings: A 201-run opening stand between KL Rahul (77) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (161) set the tone, followed by an unbeaten 100 from Virat Kohli. India declared at 487/6, setting Australia a target of 534.
• Australia’s Second Innings: Despite valiant efforts from Travis Head (89) and Mitchell Marsh (47), Australia folded for 238, with Bumrah (3/42) and Mohammed Siraj (3/51) leading the attack.

Stand-in skipper Jasprit Bumrah earned the Player of the Match award for his eight wickets and stellar leadership. His contributions, both as captain and bowler, were lauded, with The West Australian headlining, “Blistering Bumrah leads India to rout of Aussies in Perth.”