Australia v India 2nd Test score, analysis: The world’s best team living a double life

Just who is this Australian team? After four days of the Test summer, we’re no closer to working it out, writes ROBERT CRADDOCK.

Marnus Labuschagne waits for a DRS LBW decision on day one of the Boxing Day Test.. Picture: Michael Klein

Australia’s Test team is leading a double life.

When Australia bowls, even when things don’t go quite as planned like late at the MCG on Boxing Day, the whole operation seems oak-tree sturdy and relentlessly threatening.

When Australia bats, while David Warner is away, the oak tree suddenly becomes a palm tree wobbling in a hurricane which looks like snapping at any time.

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Marnus Labuschagne waits for a DRS LBW decision on day one of the Boxing Day Test.. Picture: Michael Klein

Bowler friendly decks have had their say this summer to accentuate this contrast including the fabulous punch and counter punching at the MCG on Saturday.

It seems there’s a banana peel waiting for Australia’s batsmen every time they threaten to approach full stride.

They remain comforted the big boys will protect their backs when it comes to bowling but it’s a dangerous practice because it would take only one Indian century in this series to crack it open.

If this gripping series proves anything it is likely to be that if you had a choice between a champion group of bowlers and batsmen you’d take the bowlers but Australia still have plenty of work to do to prove the point.

Steve Smith is having a wretched start to the summer. Picture: Michael Klein

While the bowling line-up remains on song, the batting line-up is a fascinating study of the scrapping and the struggling including …

JOE BURNS: Is feeling for the ball outside off stump and the cagey Jasprit Bumrah has got the fishing rod out and floating pilchards past on a fourth and fifth stump line.

Before the first Test Matthew Hayden said Burns should get in the ruthless mindset of planning to leave 1000 balls outside off-stump and being full of intent about the way he does it.

The shots he doesn’t play are still the most important ones of the day for Burns who needs second innings runs to save his career.

MATTHEW WADE: Gutsy player afraid of no-one or nothing but with no score above 38 in his last seven completed Test knocks he cannot be fooled into thinking making “wicketkeeper’’ scores will sustain his career as a specialist batsman long term,

His slick footwork back and forward and fearless shot selection on Boxing Day stamped him as a worthy opening option but he needs a little more. Wade’s reckless slog off Ashwin to get out looked bad but at least he was being positive.

Matthew Wade has showed promise as an opener - without nailing down a permanent change. Picture: Michael Klein

MARNUS LABUSCHAGNE: Not as dominant as last summer but conditions are tougher and has cobbled together 47 and 48. Not finding things easy and had some lucky escapes but is wallowing in the scrap.

STEVE SMITH: Interesting one. The instant he scores 50 the whole self-esteem level of his team will rise with him. He has slaughtered India over the years but has just two runs from 38 balls against him this series. India are bowling tight to him to try and cramp him around off stump. So far it’s working.

TRAVIS HEAD: A Test average of 40 cannot be sneezed at but he struggles to put an attack to sleep.

His 38 on day one contained many of the shots of the innings but his slice to gully was a well worn route for his dismissal. Again he left with a question mark rather than an exclamation mark.

CAMERON GREEN: Scores of 11 and 12 don’t take the breath away but here are three positives – his footwork is sound, he looks relaxed and his defensive game is admirably solid. Look for his bounce generated from sky-scraping height to net his first Test wickets on Sunday.