Cricket fans have blasted Australia following their dismal performance against India on Sunday in Perth.
Pat Cummins‘ side were put to the sword by India, with the visitors setting the Baggy Greens a huge target of 534.
It came after Virat Kohli ended his Test century drought, knocking his first ton in 16 innings. It came after Yashasvi Jaiswal dazzled to hit 161 runs off 297.
Australia’s bowlers, meanwhile, couldn’t take advantage of the conditions, with India declaring on 487-6.
Australia would return to the crease, but things went from bad to worse.
Test debutant Nathan McSweeney, night watchman Pat Cummins and Marnus Labuschagne would all be sent walking by Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, compounding the nightmare day.
Pat Cummins side endured a dismal day, with India piling on runs in the opening Test in Perth
Australia ended the day behind the visitors by 522 runs, with Jasprit Bumrah’s side declaring after a stunning innings that saw both Virat Kohli (third from left) and Yashasvi Jaiswal hit 100s
Cummins’ side would step back to the crease, with the captain going in as a night watchman but they would go on to lose three wickets for 12 runs
Fans online have lashed out at Australia who now require 522 runs with seven wickets remaining to win.
‘Aussies are looking so finished right now,’ one wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Labuschagne would be dismissed on the final ball of the day and left some scratching their heads after reviewing a conclusive lbw decision.
‘Embarrassing performance from him [Labuschange] since last summer, need to think about his place,’ one wrote.
‘Marnus is an absolute joke right now,’ another said.
Another added: ‘Whole team is done.’
‘It’s time to let Marnus Labuschagne go back to domestic cricket, he has been so bad for a few years now.
‘Smith isn’t much better, but I think give Smith another test and get someone else in. Anyone,’ another added.
Some fans lashed out at Australia for their poor performance while others lauded Cummins for stepping in as the night watchman
Labuschagne has struggled for form this year, having scored only one 100 since January.
James Brayshaw delivered his verdict on Labuschagne’s review, stating to Channel Seven: ‘Labuschange has got that horribly wrong.’
‘That is stumps, and the finish to this day could not have been worse for the Australian cricket team,’ he added.
‘Wow, what a dramatic turn of events! Australia losing three wickets in just 4.2 overs before stumps is quite shocking!
‘Marnus Labuschagne out LBW without offering a shot? That’s a tough break!’ another fan wrote on X.
Despite Australia’s woes, some hailed Cummins for stepping out as Australia’s night watchman, despite being dismissed after facing eight balls.
‘Gotta hand it to Pat Cummins after seeing him come out to bat and be the nightwatchman for his team after having already bowled all day long.
‘This is the stuff that earns you mad respect from your peers. This is what a leader looks like!’
Marnus Labuschagne endured a torrid time at the crease, being dismissed for lbw off just five balls
Victory looms for India unless Australia can muster up a huge run chase on Day Four in Perth
Aaron Finch on Channel Seven’s commentary also hailed the Aussie captain, saying: ‘It is usually Nathan Lyon who is thrown out there…
‘Pat Cummins puts his hand up and that shows leadership.
‘He says: “You know what, as bowlers we have contributed to the situation we are in so I will put my hand up and do it myself.”
‘Shows a genuine care for the team. Shows somebody who respects the role. Understands how difficult this must be.’
More to follow…
