Alastair Cook on Australia’s vulnerable top order: ‘There’s an air of uncertainty’ | Cricket News

Former England captain Alastair Cook senses an “air of uncertainty” in Australia’s top order in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
In the Perth Test, Australia handed debut to Nathan McSweeney, who has hardly opened in the first-class cricket, and looked all at sea against Indian pacers. Senior pro Usman Khawaja, who will turn 38 in a couple of weeks time managed only 4 & 8. Australia’s No 3 Marnus Labuschagne also failed in both the innings.
“There is an air of uncertainty about their top order, which is unusual,” Cook said on TNT Sports.
“Normally you expect, you know, how many runs has Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne has scored against England in the past? I will throw something in there, which is they’re only 1-0 down in a series.”
Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne gestures as he leaves the field after losing his wicket on the first day of the first cricket test between Australia and India in Perth, Australia. (AP)
Former England captain Alastair Cook says India certainly have that edge over Australia with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj bowling against the weaker top order.
“They go to Adelaide now, which is a pink ball test match, they’ve got a great record in the pink ball test, and suddenly 1-1 looks very different,” he said.
“But I do know this Indian side have certainly got that edge in major parts in terms of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in the new ball against a weaker top order against Australia.
“It’s a nice advantage to go and have, and if they get a bit of luck and get those guys bowling with a pink ball under floodlights in that dusk, you know, again, Australia could suddenly be two down in a series, and that’s a long way back.”
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has also raised concerns over Australia’s lack of depth in the batting. “This batting line-up looks brittle, and there’s no one knocking on the door to challenge their spots. If I were an Australian fan, I’d be worried about the lack of competition within the squad,” Vaughan said on Fox Sports.
“The standards in a team are often driven players vying for places. Right now, I don’t see anyone doing that,” he concluded.