3 reasons why India struggled against Australia in the 2nd Test

After a resounding start by India in the first Test, Australia bounced back and rendered a heavy defeat in the second Test. Australia won the second Test by 146 runs as India failed to chase a target of 287 set by them.

While India scored 283 runs in reply to Australia's 326 in the first innings thanks to Captain Virat Kohli's knock, they suffered massively in the second. Considering how India's batting order is one of the best in the world, it was unacceptable and quite surprising that they gave away wickets so easily and succumbed to the pressure.

Moreover, the current Australian side is arguably one of their weakest Test sides ever. The massive victory will only give them much needed confidence and it is evident that they have bounced back from their initial defeat.

The management deserves criticism for their poor selection, too. It is an understatement to say the squad didn't click with poor choices. Let us evaluate the three reasons where it all went wrong for India.

#1 Failure of the opening pair :

Australia v India - 2nd Test: Day 4

The major failure of the Indian batting order is the failure of the opening pair. Both KL Rahul and Murali Vijay were out of sorts in the opening spell of both innings and failed to get their partnership going.

It is absolutely vital that the opening pair holds their end in high-pressure situations against the toughest of opponents. Both Rahul and Vijay failed to do that and instead put their successor in batting line-up under huge pressure.

An injury to Prithvi Shaw meant that Rahul got his chance at redemption but he failed to justify the optimism shown by coach and the management. Murali Vijay, being more defensive minded, added to the problems with his inconsistency. In both innings, Rahul couldn't manage over mere 2 runs while Vijay managed to score duck and 20 odd runs in both.

The failures of the top order and the constant backing of Rahul as an opener in Tests shows a massive lack of plan B from Ravi Shastri and management. If India wishes to turn things around, the opening pair in the batting order must step up.

#2 Overconfidence

Australia v India - 2nd Test: Day 5

Even before the 1st Test, there was a massive air of complacency and overconfidence among Indian team and the fanbase. Considering how the current Australian side are one of the weakest and vulnerable sides in their history, it is evident that India took it too easily after their win in the first Test.

No doubt that the Aussies are nowhere near their mercurial best whereas India side is brimming with confidence but facing Australia in their own den is still a massive task. Australia totally outclassed India in the 2nd Test, restoring balance as the 4-Test match series is now tied at 1-1.

There is no doubt that Australians took the opportunity as Indian players were caught off guard due to lack of cautiousness. Indian squad must get back to the basics and focus on their game if they want to win the series.

#3 Overdependence and poor management

Australia v India - 2nd Test: Day 4

In the last few away series, it has been a common trend that whenever one of the Indian batsmen stands out, the rest of the batting order falters.

Mostly, it is Virat Kohli leading one man battle but even in the first two tests, whenever the likes Pujara and Rahane stepped up, they failed to get any significant impact from the other end. This only adds to the woes as the Indian opening pair has failed miserably in the first two tests.

Moreover, the management has not helped the case with their poor team selection and tactics. While they decided to field 4 pacers, Aussies got huge benefit from the presence of a spinner like Nathan Lyon.

The lack of plan B added to the problems as the constant backing of players in poor form resulted in the loss in the 2nd test. Undoubtedly, Indians need to work more as a cohesive unit, both on the pitch and off it to beat the Aussies in their own den.