Mark Waugh demands aggression against Yashasvi Jaiswal in upcoming Test
- Mark Waugh urged Australian bowlers to intimidate Indian batsman Yashasvi Jaiswal with short-pitched deliveries ahead of the second Test.
- He criticized the lack of aggression shown in the earlier Test and expressed concern over Cummins' preparation.
- Waugh's call to action highlights the importance of a more assertive strategy to combat the Indian team.
In Australia, Mark Waugh, a former cricket player, expressed his thoughts on the team's approach to the upcoming second Test against India, scheduled to start on December 6, 2024, in Adelaide. He emphasized the need for pace bowlers like Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins to adopt a more aggressive stance against the 22-year-old Indian opener, Yashasvi Jaiswal. Waugh noted that during the recent Test match in Perth, Australia showed promising performance but lacked the necessary aggression, particularly in dealing with the Indian batting lineup. He stressed the importance of utilizing short-pitched bowling to unsettle Jaiswal, who he regards as a tremendous young talent. Waugh's critique extended to Australian captain Pat Cummins, whom he felt was not fully prepared for the series opener, suggesting that Cummins should have participated in Shield cricket prior to the Test series. Waugh recalled the rigorous training typical of his era, where players would often engage in domestic matches before international fixtures. However, he acknowledged that modern scheduling constraints have altered preparation regimes significantly. Waugh's comments reflect a broader concern regarding the performance of the Australian top order, specifically mentioning Marnus Labuschagne, who has struggled against the Indian pace threat, particularly Jasprit Bumrah. Waugh encouraged Labuschagne to focus on making necessary technical adjustments to regain his competitive edge. The insights provided by Waugh reveal a strong desire within the Australian cricketing community for their players to enhance their intensity and improve strategy as they prepare to face a formidable Indian side. The upcoming match is crucial for Australia's cricketing reputation, and Waugh's recommendations serve as a reminder of the importance of aggression in fast bowling, especially against skilled batsmen like Jaiswal.