Australia in shambles with WTC hopes slipping away in India

Australia’s stunning loss to India in the second match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Delhi spells major concerns not only for the result of the series, but their hopes for a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final at The Oval in June.

Heading into the third day of the Test, Australia were in a strong position resuming at 1/61 with Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne both at the crease.

However, the visitors then lost nine wickets for 52 runs, including a passage where six wickets fell for the gain of just 18 runs.

Despite the efforts of Nathan Lyon and Todd Murphy with the ball, as well as Peter Handscomb removing Rohit Sharma with a run out, Australia could not stop the Indian juggernaut.

The result means Australia now need to fight to maintain their position atop the WTC ladder if they wish to make the final.

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Should the tourists fail to win or draw one of the last two Tests in India, they will be relying on New Zealand to avoid a 2-0 loss to Sri Lanka in their upcoming Test series.

Australia’s chances of avoiding a whitewash in India may have been further hampered by the news that Josh Hazlewood has failed to overcome an Achilles injury and will take no part in the series.

Hazelwood will be flown back to Australia with opener David Warner, who suffered a fractured elbow and concussion in the first innings of the second test in Delhi.

Australia’s issues run deeper with confirmation that captain Pat Cummins has been rushed back home to attend a private family matter between Tests.

In better news for the Aussies, they have more than a week to prepare for the possible return of Mitch Starc and Cameron Green to the side, as well as prepare a plan for India’s spin pairing of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin.

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