Australia’s cricketers criticized for ’embarrassing performances’ as Pat Cummins’ side are blown out by India after horror day in Perth
Cricket fans have cursed Australia after their dismal performance against India in Perth on Sunday.
Pat Cummins’ side were put to the sword by India, with the visitors giving the Baggy Greens a huge target of 534.
It came after Virat Kohli ended his Test century drought, hitting his maiden ton in 16 innings. It came after Yashasvi Jaiswal dazzled, hitting 161 runs at 297.
The Australian bowlers, meanwhile, could not take advantage of the conditions as India declared at 487-6.
Australia would return to the fold, but things went from bad to worse.
Test debutant Nathan McSweeney, nightwatchman Pat Cummins and Marnus Labuschagne would all be sent packing by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, adding to the nightmare day.
Pat Cummins’ side had a dismal day, with India piling on in the opening Test in Perth
Australia ended the day behind the visitors by 522 runs, with Jasprit Bumrah’s side making a statement after a stunning innings that saw both Virat Kohli (third from left) and Yashasvi Jaiswal hit 100s.
Cummins’ side would take a step back to the crease, with the captain coming in as nightwatchman, but they would lose three wickets for 12 runs.
Fans online have lashed out at Australia, who now need 522 runs and seven wickets left to win.
“Aussies look so done right now,” someone wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Labuschagne would be dismissed on the last ball of the day and left some scratching their heads after reviewing a close lbw decision.
‘Embarrassing performance from him [Labuschange] since last summer he has had to think about his place,” one person wrote.
“Marnus is an absolute joke right now,” said another.
Another said: ‘The whole team is ready.’
‘It’s time to bring Marnus Labuschagne back to domestic cricket, he’s been so bad for a few years now.
‘Smith isn’t much better, but I think I should give Smith another test and bring in someone else. Everyone,” another added.
Some fans lashed out at Australia for their poor performance, while others praised Cummins for acting as a night watchman
Labuschagne has struggled for form this year, scoring just one hundred since January.
James Brayshaw gave his verdict on Labuschagne’s review, telling Channel Seven: ‘Labuschange has got that terribly wrong.’
“Those are stumps, and the finish to this day couldn’t have been worse for the Australian cricket team,” he added.
‘Wow, what a dramatic turn of events! Australia losing three wickets in just 4.2 overs before stumping is quite shocking!
‘Marnus Labuschagne from LBW without offering a shot? That’s a major breakthrough!’ another fan wrote on X.
Despite Australia’s woes, some praised Cummins for stepping down as Australia’s nightwatchman despite being dismissed after conceding eight balls.
“I have to hand it to Pat Cummins after seeing him come into bat and become the night watchman for his team after bowling all day.
“This is the stuff that gets you a lot of respect from your peers. This is what a leader looks like!’
Marnus Labuschagne had a torrid time at the crease and was dismissed for lbw after just five balls
Victory is on the cards for India unless Australia can stage a huge chase on day four in Perth
Aaron Finch, in Channel Seven commentary, also praised the Australian captain, saying: ‘Usually it’s Nathan Lyon who gets thrown out there…
“Pat Cummins raises his hand and that shows leadership.
‘He says, ‘You know what, as bowlers we’ve contributed to the situation we’re in, so I’m going to raise my hand and do it myself.’
‘Show genuine care for the team. Shows someone who respects the role. Understands how difficult this must be.’
More to follow…
