Australia’s squad for the second Test against India in Adelaide will remain unchanged following their heavy defeat in Perth, coach Andrew McDonald has confirmed. The same 13-player squad, which includes reserve batter Josh Inglis and fast bowler Scott Boland, will travel to Adelaide for the match, though McDonald stopped short of committing to the same playing XI.
The team will convene a day earlier than planned in Adelaide on Monday to hold an additional net session, following their 295-run loss at Optus Stadium. McDonald acknowledged that it had been one of Australia’s poorest performances on home soil in recent memory, and the extra training session will be used to regroup and refine their approach.
Despite Australia’s heavy loss, McDonald rejected suggestions that the team’s bowling options were inadequate, particularly in light of Mitchell Marsh’s fitness issues. Marsh, who bowled 17 overs in the first Test — his most in three years — has raised concerns over his fitness, having bowled just four overs in the last eight months. McDonald remained cautious when asked if Marsh had fully recovered. “We’ll wait and see,” he said, adding that Marsh’s performance in the first innings was deemed satisfactory.
The focus is also on struggling No. 3 batter Marnus Labuschagne, whose form has come under scrutiny. McDonald expressed confidence that Labuschagne would rediscover his best form, calling him the right option for the position despite ongoing external criticism. “At his best, he’s the player we need,” McDonald said.
With little depth among domestic batters posting huge numbers, selectors have had to make tough calls. Inglis, typically a No. 6 batter in first-class cricket, could be considered if a change in the batting lineup is needed, though the selectors have shown a lack of faith in other candidates like Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft.
McDonald stated that the squad has depth, even if it’s not always reflected in the domestic numbers, and the selectors feel confident in their options. A review of the Perth performance will focus on whether the failures were due to poor execution or planning. “We felt as though our planning going in was where we needed it to be,” McDonald said, adding that execution remains the key area for improvement.
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