Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Ian Healy was shocked by the Australian team’s decision to play two off-spinners against India in the Nagpur Test.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Feb 10, 2023 10:20 IST
Australia needed more variety and more experience in bowling: Ian Healy (AP Photo)
By India Today Web Desk: Former wicketkeeper Ian Healy was not happy with the Australian team’s decision to include two off-spinners – Nathan Lyon and young Todd Murphy – with nearly identical action, leaving the visitors devoid of variety and variation in the slow-bowling department.
After dismissing the visitors for 177 on day one thanks to Ravindra Jadeja’s five-for, India dominated with the bat and amassed 77 for one, easily navigating 17 overs of spin from veteran Lyon and Murphy.
“In my eyes, probably not the right selection call,” Healy told ‘SEN Radio’ on Friday.
“I think he (Murphy) can bowl extremely well and he’s right in the shadow of Nathan Lyon for whenever he’s needed, but for me, we’ve left on the bench our most experienced spinners in Ashton Agar and Mitch Swepson.
“If we’re not going to use them yesterday (Thursday), they might as well pack their Baggy Greens away. I think we needed more variety and more experience,” opined Healy.
“We change bowlers and we have another off-spinner (Murphy) on. We needed a left-arm orthodox (Agar) or a leg spinner to go with an off-spinner and Travis Head’s part-time off-spin and if you have to throw in Marnus (Labuschagne) as a leg spinner, do it, or pick Swepson as well,” added Healy.
“But if you pick Swepson, like Murphy, you needed Head or Agar in there to give us a bit longer batting.”
The 59-year-old Healy hoped Pat Cummins’ side will bowl with more purpose in the days to come and claw back in the opening Test.
“I’d like to see them bowl with a bit more courage today, which I think they will.”
