"Can Be Destabilising": Australia Great Underlines How Change In Playing XI Impacted India In Third Test

Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden slammed the Indian batters after the hosts were outplayed by the visitors in third Test in Indore. Chasing a modest target of 76, Australia crossed the finishing line with ease, despite losing a wicket on the second ball of play on Day 3. Travis Head scored a quickfire 49, while Marnus Labuschagne hit the winning boundary to remain unbeaten on 28. Hayden suggested that the Indian batters were playing to save their spots in the team.

"Change of team too. KL Rahul dropped. Some of those things can be a bit destabilising, players playing for their spots and their opportunities can create a different mindset," he said.

The legendary Sunil Gavaskar also criticised the Indian batters for their below-par show in the third Test, saying the "pitch played on their minds".

Hayden, however, was full of praise for Australia opener Travis Head, who scored an unbeaten 49 to take visitors home.

"It's incredible what happens when you show that attitude and intent. That adjustment in the mindset and within two overs (there are) 20 runs (and) bang. This was really, really good batting," the 51-year-old said.

"This can be said about Travis Head. He was left out of the first Test but came out with a fire in the belly from the second Test, something Australians are known for. Punching above our weight, despite the conditions.

"What a good player Travis Head is. He is becoming one of the real forces in world cricket. A remarkable turnaround in momentum. Great fight and they have shown what they can do. Australia was knocked out in Delhi...like Lazarus, now they've emerged." Former Australia captain Mark Taylor too was effusive in his praise for Head, who took the attack to the Indian bowlers.

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