Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne.Credit:AP
At the other end,Labuschagne has somehow fought his way through 19 consecutive games dating back to the start of the South Africa tour that preceded this tournament. Never the team’s first choice,he has scrapped grandly through injuries and misadventures for others to make a contribution,culminating in an innings of Test match quality to complement Head.
India,momentarily loud and proud as those early wickets fell,were gradually worn down. Rohit’s captaincy looked ponderous next to Cummins’ alertness earlier in the day,and the fielding lacked Australia’s sheen. At the 30-over mark,Bumrah flicked off a bail in mounting frustration. The sense of waste would only grow for the hosts.
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Head’s innings rather summed up Australia’s campaign,winning nine straight after two initial defeats. He was extremely scratchy early,but something clicked after about 40 balls,and he suddenly became colossal.
So it is for Cummins’ men. Playing with smiles on their faces rather than snarls,they have become the world’s best.
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