30% Smith, 30% Warner & 30% Rest: Kris Srikkanth breaks down the Australian batting lineup

Implying that Australian batting line up is t very strong, former India captain Kris Srikkanth has remarked that Tim Paine-led squ's batting strength comprises of 30% Steve Smith, 30% of David Warner and 30% of rest. However, former cricketer lauded Aussies' bowling attack and said that it is 'very good'. Ahe of Boxing Day Test, Srikkanth predicted that it would be 'difficult' for Indians in second Test at MCG without 'King Kohli'. 

“Let’s t forget, Aussies’ batting is t great. My belief is Aussies’ batting is 30 per cent Warner, 30 per cent Smith, all ors put toger is 30 per cent. But bowling is very good. Australian batting is t very strong,” Srikkanth told Sydney Morning Herald. Pertinently, apart from Tim Paine and Joe Burns, ne of Australian batsmen mand to cross 50-run mark in first Test at elaide. 

Analyzing Team India's performance in first Test at elaide, former skipper remarked that Virat Kohli's men lacked intent. Team India created an unwanted record after ir humiliating batting performance against Australia in first Test at elaide Oval on Saturday where neir of batsmen even mand to reach double figures and were eventually restricted to 36/9.

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“I think Virat summed it up very well when he said positive intent was missing. y went into more of a shell, Indians. mindset I think was too defensive. y have to regroup. y have to have a bit more positive intent. best way is just to go for it,” Srikkanth said. “But when you miss King Kohli, it’s going to make it difficult let’s be honest. And Shami. But I’m sure y’ll come out and fight. Everybody is disappointed but n everyone has taken view as a b dream,” he ded. 

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Australia dealt with a huge blow

Opener David Warner and bowler Sean Abbott will t play in second cricket test against India at Melbourne Cricket Ground beginning Saturday due to a combination of injuries and COVID-19 quarantine restrictions. Warner and Abbott spent time in Sydney outside team’s bio-secure hub to recover from injuries. Warner has t fully recovered from a groin injury sustained in one-day series against India and would t have been available for second test. Abbott has recovered from a calf strain sustained during Australia A’s tour match against India and would have been available for selection for MCG Test.

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Team India anunce playing XI 

With just a day to go for Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Team India released its playing XI on Friday morning, anuncing 4 changes to team fielded at elaide. While under-fire Prithvi Shaw has been benched, young gun Shubman Gill has been handed his debut. Mohammed Siraj has also been roped in as third pacer to join Jasprit Bumrah and Umesh Yav as Shami has been ruled out of series owing to an injury. Moreover, Ajinkya Rahane has brought in Rishabh Pant in place of Wriddhiman Saha and Ravindra Jeja for Virat Kohli. 

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