Border-gavasker-trophy news

Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Australia announce squad for second Test against India Border-Gavaskar Trophy: Australia announce squad for second Test against India Australia have opted to stick with their 13-member squad for the second Test against India, despite a heavy 295-run defeat in the series opener at Optus Stadium, confirmed coach and selector Andrew McDonald. In a historic loss on Monday, Australia faced their first-ever Test defeat at Optus Stadium, marking India’s largest-ever Test victory in Australia. However, McDonald showed confidence in the current squad, insisting that the team would be unchanged for the upcoming day-night Test, set to begin on December 6 at Adelaide Oval. “The same people in that changeroom are the same people that will be in Adelaide. It is always a consideration, wherever you go in the world in terms of the personnel you pick for conditions,” McDonald said, reinforcing his belief in the players despite the crushing loss. The coach also spoke about Marnus Labuschagne's recent slump in form with the bat, offering strong support for the top-order batter. “We look at the way he plays and when he’s at his best, and when we’ve seen him at his best, he’s shown great intent at the crease,” McDonald said. “At the moment he’s in one of those patches, but we’re really confident that, at his best, he’s the player that we need.” When asked about the reasons behind Labuschagne's form struggles, McDonald attributed it to a combination of factors, both technical and psychological. “There’s some technical aspects to that also within the mindset play,” he said. “We’re confident that he can turn that around.” Australia will be hoping for a bounce-back performance in Adelaide, with the team eager to level the series after a demoralizing defeat. Australia's Squad for Second Test: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.