Admitting Australia were sloppy in the Boxing Day Test and that they need to bat a lot better, Tim Paine praised India’s bowlers for their perfect execution, especially against Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne, so far in this series.

“India are bowling well and have been very disciplined. We haven’t been able to get partnerships together, but from what I have seen watching, say Marnus and Steve in their Test careers, this is not the first time teams have targeted their stumps.

“India are executing it better and someone like Steve just hasn’t been able to get in yet. Once he does, he will find a way, as he always has. The rest of us will follow suit and need to improve,” the Australia captain said at a virtual media conference facilitated by Sony Pictures Sports Network.

Former captain Ricky Ponting was scathing in his assessment of the Australian batsmen, blasting them for their lack of intent.

“Australia made 191 there (in Adelaide), 195 and 200 here. That’s not batting in Test match cricket. And the worry I’ve got is how long it takes them to get those runs. That’s my issue,” Ponting told cricket.com.au.

“They’ve got to show some more intent. They can’t be scared of getting out. They’ve got to go out and bat and score runs, and got to get them quicker than two-and-a-half runs an over.”
The Aussies, however, are hopeful of the return of David Warner for the third Test, while Will Pucovski’s prospects too seem to have brightened. “David looks really good from what I have seen,” captain Paine said.

“Pucovski, a similar vein. He’s not far away.”