Australia vs India first Test player ratings: 'Concerning' batting woes laid bare after 'grim' 295-run loss
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Australia's first Test player ratings
Australia's five-game series against India started wonderfully, bowling the visitors out for 150 on the opening day in Perth.
From there, it was an absolute shambles as the Aussies lost by 295 runs.
The top-order failed to fire in either innings, with the pressure beginning to mount on a group of experienced batters.
A couple of the bowlers had some nice moments, but it was a lot of one-way traffic as India took the 1-0 series lead.
Wide World Of Sports rates every Australian player's performance out of 10.
Nathan McSweeney - 2
A tough first outing at Test level for the South Australian captain, failing to fire with the bat in either innings in his new role at the top of the order.
Nathan McSweeney - 2
McSweeney's first taste of Test cricket started well with a nice catch at gully on the opening day, but was dismissed for 10 and zero in his two knocks.
Usman Khawaja - 2
The veteran opener didn't fare any better than his new partner, falling victim to Jasprit Bumrah in the first innings for 8.
His second innings dismissal was pretty concerning, playing a rash shot that was top-edged into the hands of the keeper.
Usman Khawaja - 2
Khawaja also had some issues in the field, dropping two catches in Perth, but managed to take a couple of them as well.
Marnus Labuschagne - 2
Produced one of the worst innings in Australian Test match history, scoring two off 52 balls before being trapped in front lbw.
He backed it up with just three runs in the second innings as pressure mounts.
It was grim viewing for Labuschagne, who has now failed to reach triple-figures since the 2023 Ashes series.
Marnus Labuschagne - 2
Labuschagne never looked comfortable at the crease and his form is a major worry.
His work with ball in hand left plenty to be desired, but Labuschagne did manage to snare a couple of catches for Australia.
Steve Smith - 3
The other player in all sorts right now is Smith, who hasn't scored a century in 18 months at Test level.
The vice-captain was out for a golden duck in the first innings and battled his way to 17 off 60 balls in the second.
Steve Smith - 3
His struggles against Bumrah and Siraj were on full display at Optus Stadium.
Smith did manage to hold onto three catches during the series opener.
Travis Head - 7
The only Aussie batter to score a half-century in the first Test.
Head was out for a quick-fire 11 in the first innings before saving his teammates in the second innings with a powerful 89.