Yet it was Australia’s batting performance which was more concerning. India’s bowlers, spearheaded by the lethal Jasprit Bumrah, looked sharper and more menacing. Australia were bundled out for 104 in 52 overs, with Bumrah proving almost unplayable at times.

By the way, please stop this nonsense of questioning Bumrah’s action. It is unique, but it is unequivocally clean. It demeans a champion performer and the game to even bring it up.

The pitch, too, evolved, becoming less treacherous. Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul capitalised, making the Australian bowlers look ordinary. Rahul’s quality is well-known, but Jaiswal is an emerging superstar. The young opener is fearless and appears poised to inherit the mantle of Indian batting excellence, following the likes of Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar.

Jaiswal’s journey encapsulates why India’s planning and infrastructure give them a clear edge in world cricket. The young left-hander moved to Mumbai at 10, seeking the best competition to realise his dream of representing India. Considering the staggering odds of breaking into the Indian XI, his determination is remarkable.

There are so many players in India who are good enough to play Test cricket, but some can’t even get a game for their State team.

A comparison with Australia’s Nathan McSweeney is illuminating. At 22, Jaiswal has played 14 Tests, 30 first-class matches, 32 List A games, and 53 IPL matches. By contrast, McSweeney, at 25, has just made his debut Test, with just 34 first-class, 22 List A, and 18 T20 matches under his belt.

This disparity is more pronounced at the junior level. India’s cricketers are steeped in competitive cricket from a young age, with tournaments like the Vijay Merchant Trophy and Cooch Behar Trophy providing exposure to high-pressure situations. By the time they reach the Under-19 World Cup, Indian players have honed their skills against the best of their peers, mastering strategies like setting and chasing targets, field placements, and countering quality spin. It often feels like men playing against boys to watch them.

When I asked a young Sarfaraz Khan – who has played six Tests for India but can’t break into this team – about the balance between cricket and school for him as a then 16-year-old, he said, “Oh, I don’t go to school, I can go to school later if I want to, but I only get one chance at cricket.”

India’s system prioritised long-form cricket at the youth level under Rahul Dravid’s leadership. This focus ensures that players are well-versed in the nuances of the game. In contrast, Australia’s system limits opportunities for young cricketers, prioritising school commitments over competition during much of the year.

The lack of competitive matches at a young age leaves Australian players less prepared to handle the demands of international cricket. No amount of net practice can replicate the experience gained from playing meaningful games. Without significant changes to our development pathways, we risk falling further behind.

The body language of the Australian team suggested that they were resigned to their fate in the second innings; perhaps they know better than anyone just how good this Indian team is!

Australia’s team is an ageing one – at 32, it is on average six years older than the Indian side. While our bowling unit remains a strength, the batting lineup is starting to look fragile. Worse still, there is no immediate queue of skilled batsmen knocking on George Bailey’s door.

Steve Smith, despite only managing 17 runs, showed signs of improvement. His second-innings movements were more assured and athletic, suggesting a big score may be just around the corner: let’s hope for all concerned that the streak he is on now is not a long one!

Meanwhile, Travis Head and Mitch Marsh provided some positivity with spirited knocks late in the match, offering a glimmer of hope heading into the Second Test.

The top order is a major concern. To avoid forced changes, they must deliver in Adelaide. Marnus Labuschagne knows he is under pressure. With only 330 runs from his last 16 innings, he must rediscover his form quickly and revert to the free-flowing style of old; two off 52 balls is not good enough. A change of mindset should be his first port of call. He looks to be batting for survival when he really should be looking to score runs. A subtle but important difference.

The selectors face a daunting challenge at least as great as Old Mother Hubbard. The cupboard of options is not exactly overflowing and domestic red ball cricket goes into a hiatus for the next six weeks. Tough decisions lie ahead, but decisive action will be needed if Australia hopes to turn the series around. What matters now is how this very cohesive Australian team responds to adversity.

Adelaide presents an opportunity to fight back, and the selectors must hope their choices, however constrained, can inspire a revival.

Loading

Australia will also contend with the other secret weapon that India has: passionate and voluble support at every Test venue from the many thousands amongst the one million Indian fans that call Australia home.

If you are an Australian supporter, keep the faith and do not be too despondent.

Losers do not make for happy fans – just ask Vince Lombardi!

Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.