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Australia look for redemption after first Test debacle in India


By AFP
Published : 15 Feb 2023 08:42 PM

Pat Cummins' Australia side have returned to the site of their humiliating innings defeat and flown in a back-up spinner in an effort to redeem themselves before this week's second Test against India begins in Delhi.

Left-arm slow bowler Matthew Kuhnemann has joined the match squad alongside left-arm quick Mitchell Starc for what is likely to be another gruelling trial by spin at the Arun Jaitley Stadium beginning Friday.

Opening batsman David Warner and company, who were routed for 91 to lose the first Test by an innings and 132 runs, went back to the dusty Nagpur pitch on Monday to practise.

Australia's fragile batting remains the major concern after their second innings collapse in a single session to trail 1-0 in the four-match series.

"We're still very positive among ourselves that we'll be able to bounce back in Delhi and get this series back level," said wicketkeeper Alex Carey.

"I think we're a really strong Test team. We've got all bases covered. Unfortunately, it didn't go to plan this first Test."

Australia are expected to make changes with Kuhnemann likely to be part of a three-pronged spin attack alongside Todd Murphy, who bagged seven wickets on his Test debut in Nagpur, and veteran Nathan Lyon on Delhi's spin-friendly wicket.

Kuhnemann, 26, played four one-day internationals last year and replaces Mitchell Swepson, who was due to return home for the birth of his first child.