I suspect Australia were anticipating a two-nil lead after Adelaide, expecting to win comfortably on the bouncy Perth pitch, followed by their usual victory in a day-night fixture at that venue. What actually occurred was a disastrous loss in Perth and they now face the possibility of going two-nil down after Adelaide. If this becomes reality then Australia are in deep trouble and will face some extremely difficult questions.

Big home crisis

Australia have reached this crisis after a Jasprit Bumrah bowling masterclass and some ludicrously muddled thinking while batting. There’s no doubt Bumrah was brilliant and bowled superbly, but he was well supported by the very capable Mohammed Siraj. India’s pace bowling is strong and they haven’t yet called on the talented Akash Deep. Australia’s batting malaise was highlighted by the nonsensical approach of No. 3 Marnus Labuschagne. Whoever decided he should allow as many balls as possible to pass unhindered needs to delete that theory from the computer. If Labuschagne hasn’t already decided the wooden thing in his hands is his strongest ally then he better quickly come to that conclusion before the Adelaide Test. Australia can’t have their No. 3 batsman let balls go that hit him on the body or score just two runs from 52 balls. Labuschagne’s muddled thinking gave the Indian bowlers impetus and had other Australian batsmen wondering if they were being bombarded by hand grenades.