Ian Chappell fires Jasprit Bumrah warning amid Australia's opening conundrum
What's the story
Team Australia has a major problem at hand: finding a suitable opening partner for Usman Khawaja for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
The dilemma comes after David Warner's retirement from international cricket. The team is eyeing Steve Smith and Travis Head as possible candidates, even as no clear frontrunners have emerged from Australia's domestic cricket.
Candidate consideration
Smith and Head emerge as potential opening partners
Despite his less than stellar performance in his four matches as an opener for Australia, Smith remains a strong contender.
Meanwhile, Head has proven himself as a consistent player in Test cricket batting at No.5 and opening in white-ball cricket.
He has shown exceptional skill against India across various formats over the years.
Strategic caution
Chappell warns against Head opening in Test cricket
Former captain Ian Chappell has raised concerns over the ploy of having Head open the batting for Australia in the upcoming series against India.
He wrote, "Head opening in Test cricket is based on his unbridled success facing the new ball in both 50-over and T20 cricket."
However, he cautioned, "Test cricket is an entirely different proposition," emphasizing the increased challenges for openers.
Tactical analysis
Chappell highlights challenges of Test cricket opening
Chappell further explained that the decision to have Head open could either be a desperate move or an adventurous one, depending on how his aggressive approach fares.
He emphasized that "The fielding side employing extra catching fielders and being able to unleash a preferred bowler for longer periods makes opening much tougher in Test cricket."
This strategy would also mean facing a fresh Jasprit Bumrah and Co. with a new ball, adding to the challenge.
Risk assessment
Chappell points out potential risks with Head's aggressive approach
Chappell also highlighted that Head's aggressive approach could backfire against India's bowling attack.
He said, "Any move to open with Head that is designed to unsettle Jasprit Bumrah is asking a lot of the batter."
He further added that bowlers like Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj are unlikely to be deterred by an opponent's ultra-aggressive strategy.