3 things India should do differently to keep the winning momentum in the second Test

Though India won the first Test at Adelaide, it was not a convincing win. Winning the first Test match of the series on Australian soil is a great achievement, but the aim of this Indian team is to win the series, which will not be easy if India makes the same mistakes as they did in Adelaide.

The current Australian side is average at best and India might not get a better opportunity to beat Australia in Australia. But the way the first Test went, it is quite clear that Australia won't throw in the towel so easily.

India would need to play to their full potential if they want to win the series, and need to avoid making the same mistakes which they made in Adelaide. Let's take a look at some of the things Indian team should be wary about in the second Test:

#1 Plans against the Australian lower order

Australian lower order has some batting talent

India's bowlers were unable to finish off the Australian tail in the second innings which brought back the memories of English series, which took place earlier this year. The inability of the Indian bowlers to finish off England's tail throughout the English series cost India the series.

The win at Adelaide could have been a bit more comprehensive if the Indian bowling was more clinical in finishing off the Australian lower order. Furthermore, it would have dented Australia's confidence going into the second Test.

But, after their brave performance in the second innings of the first Test, the Australians must feel that there is only a slight difference between them and this Indian team, which will provide them with a lot of self-belief for the rest of the series.

#2 Bat with patience

Pujara showed the way in the first Test

The Adelaide pitch was good to bat on after the first few hours on the first morning, but due to their rash batting in the first innings, India failed to wrest the initial momentum.

Pujara showed the way for the rest of the Indian batsmen on these wickets. Since the track was not a flat track like in the sub-continent, it is imperative to give respect to bowlers for the first few hours. Pujara played much freely for the second part of his inning when the pitch flattened out.

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#3 Right selection

Vihari should get a look in for the second Test

The Indian team management is still caught up in the vicious circle of team selection. They keep going back to the same players in spite of their repeated failures. Rohit Sharma is one such example. An expansive shot in the first inning in spite of the team being in a precarious situation once again showed that he doesn't have the required temperament for Test cricket, despite his precocious talent.

Hanuma Vihari showed in his first Test in England that he has the required temperament for the Test cricket and he should be persisted with. Grit should be preferred over flamboyance. On the other hand, if Prithvi Shaw is fit then he should come into the eleven in place of either Vijay or Rahul.