India vs Australia: 3 Changes Australia can make for IND vs AUS 2nd Test

Things didn’t go the way Australian Cricket Team would’ve wanted in the first Test against India in Nagpur. They were at the receiving end of an innings and 132 run thrashing and it surely would’ve hampered their confidence. But Australians are known for their comeback and one cannot write them off. Therefore it is expected that they would come out all guns blazing. However they are expected to dig into the poor areas from the first game and rectify it in the second game. They are expected to make some changes for the second game and let’s take a look at 3 changes they can make for the upcoming game, that will take place in Delhi from 17th February to 21st February.

1. Travis Head in place of Matt Renshaw

One change that Australia might be eager to make is they could bring Travis Head in place of Matt Renshaw. It’s fair to say that Australia’s move to play Renshaw ahead of Head backfired as he failed drastically and scored just 2 runs in the game with duck in first innings. This move was criticised by many fans and pundits as Head has been among the best batters for Australia in the longest format of the game since last one year. He’s currently No.4 ranked Test batter and has piled up truckloads for runs for his side at a fair amount of strike rate. His attacking mindset would’ve come handy for the team had they played him in first game. Therefore he can be one change Australia might look to make in the second game in Delhi.

Imagine being Travis Head, Australia's most successful Test batter for a year. Dropped for this game. Replacement Renshaw comes in and scores 0 and 2 and when he was injured in the field, Head had to come on as substitute! This is what Spinitus does to management & rationality.

— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) February 11, 2023

2. Cameron Green in place of Peter Handscomb

All-rounder Cameron Green unfortunately missed the first Test against Australia due to  injury. In his place, team played Peter Handscomb, who looked good but failed to carry on. Green is likely to fit for the second game and it’s a no brainer that if he gets green signal to play he will walk straight into the XI. The all-rounder has been the find for Australia in the Test cricket and has contributed equally well for the team with both bat and ball. Green has been a dominant force for Australia as in 18 games he has scored 806 runs with 6 fifties and 23 wickets and it is likely to be one of the changes for the team in second game.

3. Mitchell Starc in place of Scott Boland

Mitchell Starc could also feature for Australia in the second game in Delhi. The left-arm pacer missed the first game due to injury and it is expected that, if deemed fit, he will be back in the team. In his place Scott Boland played the first game. The pacer bowled decent lines but failed to take wickets. With Starc being seasoned bowler and his experience in Indian conditions could well come in favour of him ahead of the second game. Therefore Starc replacing Boland could be among the one changes for Australia in the Delhi Test.