'Why play spinners if you don't trust them? New ball wasted': India's tactics at MCG raise eyebrows

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri did not hold back in his assessment of India's strategy on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). While Steve Smith and Pat Cummins earned praise for their batting heroics, Shastri was scathing about India’s approach during the morning session, which saw Australia consolidate their position with a commanding first-innings total.

Speaking on Star Sports during the lunch break, Shastri labelled India’s bowling as "ordinary" and questioned their decision-making, particularly regarding the use of their spinners.

“I thought the bowling was pretty ordinary,” Shastri remarked. “India ran out of ideas. Spin wasn’t used as much as it should have been. There was a gap of 40 overs before Ravindra Jadeja was introduced into the attack. Washington Sundar didn’t bowl his first over until much later. So, when you play two spinners, you have to ask—why did you pick them if you don’t trust them?”

Australia’s morning surge

Resuming the day at 311 for six, Australia seized control with a clinical batting display. Steve Smith, unbeaten on 139, showcased his class yet again, bringing up his 34th Test century. Skipper Pat Cummins provided valuable support with an aggressive 49 off 63 deliveries, further compounding India’s woes.

Australia quickly crossed the 350-run mark, their initial target, and maintained an impressive scoring rate throughout the session. By lunch, they had reached 454 for seven, placing themselves in a dominant position against the visitors.

Shastri questions team selection

Shastri also criticised India's decision to play two spinners on a pitch that, in his view, did not warrant such a strategy. Washington Sundar was brought into the playing XI to replace opener Shubman Gill, a move that left India with a deeper bowling line-up but weakened their batting.

“Why play two spinners if you don’t trust them to bowl?” Shastri asked. “You’ve essentially handicapped yourself. Australia capitalised on India’s lack of a clear game plan. Their goal would have been simple: don’t lose wickets in the first 45 minutes and add another 50 runs. They achieved that with ease, thanks to India’s inability to apply pressure.”

Among those who cast doubt on India's style of play was none other than Sunil Gavaskar. "Akash Deep's bowling has been very disappointing; unfortunately, this new ball has been wasted," he said during commentary.

Steve Smith: The relentless maestro

While criticising India’s tactics, Shastri reserved special praise for Smith, hailing the Australian batting great for his relentless approach.

“India paid the price for letting Steve Smith settle. He’s a master batsman and showed exactly why he’s one of the best in the world. Once he gets going, he doesn’t give you many chances,” Shastri added.

India’s uphill battle

India’s bowlers will need to regroup quickly if they are to prevent Australia from completely taking the game away. With the hosts already boasting a formidable first-innings score, the pressure is now firmly on the Indian batsmen to respond.

As the match unfolds, India’s decision to play two spinners and their inconsistent bowling tactics could come under further scrutiny, especially if the Australians continue to pile on the runs.

Score Update: Australia 454/7 at lunch, Day 2.