As India and Australia gear up for the second Test in Delhi, starting from Friday, February 17, former Australian skipper Allan Border has shared his views on the ideal combination for the visitors. He has suggested a radical change in dropping debutant Todd Murphy, who impressed with seven wickets in Nagpur and opting for three pacers and one spinner.
Border said that Nathan Lyon deserved to be the first-choice spinner based on his experience and record. He praised Murphy for his performance but felt that Australia needed to play to their strengths with three quicks. He also hinted that David Warner might face the axe if he fails to deliver at the top of the order.
“You’ve got to go with (Nathan) Lyon, he’s built up enough brownie points over the years to be the first picked. Well done to young (Todd) Murphy, it’s going to be a tough decision to leave him out, I know the wicket is going to turn but I just reckon the formula for us to be successful (is) three quickies and one spinner,” said Border.
Border also expressed his surprise at Travis Head’s exclusion from the first Test, saying that he had earned his spot with consistent runs against West Indies and South Africa. He scored 525 runs in seven innings in those series.
