Published: November 26, 2024
Australia is gearing up for the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, a day-night encounter in Adelaide, with their existing 13-man squad. However, head coach Andrew McDonald has acknowledged concerns over all-rounder Mitchell Marsh’s fitness, following a taxing bowling workload during the first Test in Perth.
The hosts suffered a crushing 295-run defeat in the series opener, their second-biggest home loss in the last 40 years, placing them under immense pressure to rebound in the pink-ball Test starting on December 6.
Marsh’s Fitness Under Scrutiny
Mitchell Marsh bowled 17 overs in Perth, his highest bowling workload in three years, raising doubts about his availability for the second Test. McDonald confirmed that the team management will closely monitor Marsh’s condition.
“If Marsh doesn’t feature, options include bringing in Scott Boland for added bowling depth or Josh Inglis, which would bolster the batting lineup but leave the side with only three specialist fast bowlers,” McDonald stated.
Australia’s Strategy in Focus
Despite the heavy defeat in Perth, McDonald has placed faith in the current squad, which includes players like Josh Inglis and Scott Boland, in addition to the playing XI from the first Test. The team is set to convene on Monday, December 2, a day earlier than planned, to prepare for the high-stakes match in Adelaide.
“The same people in that changeroom are the same people that will be in Adelaide,” McDonald confirmed. “We’ll assess the XI as we approach the Test, but the squad remains unchanged.”
Pressure to Perform
Australia’s batting lineup, already under scrutiny, will face heightened pressure if Marsh is sidelined. The team’s capitulation in the first Test, where they were bowled out for 150 and 104, exposed vulnerabilities that need urgent addressing.
India, buoyed by their commanding victory in Perth, will aim to maintain their momentum, while Australia must regroup and deliver a strong performance to avoid falling further behind in the five-match series.
Australia Squad for 2nd Test Against India
- Usman Khawaja
- Nathan McSweeney
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Steven Smith
- Travis Head
- Mitchell Marsh
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Josh Hazlewood
- Josh Inglis
- Scott Boland
Match Details
- Venue: Adelaide Oval
- Date: December 6-10, 2024
- Format: Pink-ball day-night Test
Stay tuned to the Board of Sports in India (BOSI) for all updates and coverage of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
