Former Indian cricketer Ravi Shastri has spoken about the struggles of the Australian cricket team, pointing out the lack of energy and aggression in their top-order batting. Shastri pointed out that the Australian cricket team is sorely lacking David Warnerhis aggressive style of play and leadership at the top and the current opening batsmen are yet to fill that gap.
Nathan McSweeney's swift removal from the Test squad after just three Tests of the ongoing 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India has sparked strong reactions from the Australian cricket fraternity and fans. McSweeney was given the tough 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 Australian Cricket Team is feeling the absence of David Warner
Nathan McSweeney struggled against high quality Indian bowlers such as jasprit bumrahscoring just one score over 10 in his six innings, finishing with a disappointing average of 14.4. On the other hand, Steve Smith has been inconsistent, averaging just 24.8 in the ongoing 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India at home.
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Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja have also been in full form, both averaging under 17 with just a half-century between them. Only Travis Head has been in stellar form in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy and that is a big concern for the Kangaroos.
Ahead of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG, Shastri said Australia misses the attacking presence of David Warner, who has had a significant impact on the opposition. TEAMS throughout his decade-long career. He pointed out that India were able to play freely because no one took the attack on them.
Australia's team misses David Warner a lot: Ravi Shastri
Ravi Shastri was quoted by Fox Cricket as saying, “He was coming; someone had to switch from the upper order because punches weren't coming from anywhere. India were allowed to bowl them. They need someone to take the attack and here Australia are sorely missing David Warner. This is where Australia will realize the impact Warner has had on oppositions in his decade of playing.”
The former Indian head coach also expressed his sympathy for Nathan McSweeney. The commentator acknowledged McSweeney's performance in Adelaide but pointed out that he was not suited to the opening role. Shastri suggested that when Australia tour Sri Lanka, McSweeney should be placed in the middle order where he can develop his career.
Shastri said, “McSweeney again. You feel sorry for him because he bowled very well in Adelaide but he is not an opening batsman. I think when Australia go to Sri Lanka very soon, he should come right back into the side. Let him build his career in the middle order.”
Battling Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne under immense pressure to deliver: Ravi Shastri
The former Indian captain mentioned that Nathan McSweeney faced early elimination but he is young and still has time to bounce back and get another opportunity in the future. But that is not the case with Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne, who are now under immense pressure to score.
Shastri concluded by saying, “There would be pressure; There is immense pressure on Khawaja and Marnus to get the runs as well. He would have been the guy of the fall, McSweeney. But he is young and has time on his hands and they will give him a timely opportunity to come again.”