‘Playing him since Nagpur would’ve been better’ – Harbhajan Singh on key Australia spinner missing in Australia’s Playing XI for the BGT Tests

India has taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 4-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series. As such, the onus is on Australia to make a comeback and remain alive in the series. They lost the first game in Nagpur by an innings and 132 runs in an utter demolition job by the hosts. They slightly improved in Test 2 at Delhi with a decent first-innings batting performance before succumbing to a surprising collapse in the second innings. They eventually lost the game by six wickets. Notably, both tests ended within three days.

Ahead of Test 3, the Australian camp is dealt with major injury blows. The likes of Josh Hazlewood and David Warner are ruled out whereas skipper Pat Cummins will be unavailable on account of an ‘emergency family illness’. Ashton Agar has also been released from the squad. “(Agar) has worked incredibly hard, he’s done his absolute best to support the team. We acknowledge all work he’s done, he’s worked his backside off,” Australia selector Tony Dodemaide said.

‘The Australian team looks slightly empty’ – Harbhajan Singh

As such, in the build-up to the third Test, former India spinner, Harbhajan Singh said that the Aussies made a big mistake not playing Ashton Agar in the first two tests of the series. Playing a left-arm spinner with an off-spinner is important; he feels playing two off-spinners was a mistake.

“The Australian team looks slightly empty. Left-arm spinner Ashton Agar has been released. I think he should’ve played from the first game. He could have been a better option. Australia played two off-spinners, which was a big mistake. Agar is a talented bowler,” Harbhajan observed.

The 29-year-old left-arm spinner is set to play in Western Australia’s next Sheffield Shield game on March 2 and the 50-over Marsh Cup final on March 8. Meanwhile, leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson, who went back home before the second Test in Delhi for the birth of his child, and skipper Pat Cummins, who returned home for family reasons, are scheduled to join the touring squad ahead of the Indore game. However, Cummins will not be playing a part in the Indore Test with Steve Smith set to captain the side.