EXCLUSIVE: Selectors under fire over 'mixed messages' following first Test debacle
Former Test captain Mark Taylor believes Pat Cummins was hamstrung by selection in India and claims selectors sent "mixed messages" about the direction of the spin line-up.
Taylor said an Aussie attack consisting of two right-arm quicks and two right-arm spinners meant Cummins, captaining his side in India for the first time, had little variation at his disposal.
"I don't think he could have done too much more as a captain - he's a bit limited by the side they chose," he told Wide World of Sports.
AS IT HAPPENED: India v Australia first Test
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"When you've got two right-arm quicks and two right-arm off-spinners as your four-man attack, it's very difficult to do much more with that.
"I think that's something they're going to have to look at for the next Test match.
"It's not going to be easy for him full stop because the pitches aren't going to suit his (Cummins') bowling."
Pat Cummins (left) speaks with debutant Todd Murphy. AP
The bowling attack consisted of off-spinners Nathan Lyon and debutant Todd Murphy, who took 1-126 and 7-124 respectively, as well as pacemen Cummins (2-78) and Scott Boland (0-34).
Cummins didn't have the handy medium pace of Cameron Green at his disposal because of the youngster's broken finger.
Taylor is confused about the spinning pecking order.
"They picked Mitch Swepson for the Pakistan tour last year, then didn't pick him in Sydney," Taylor said.
"The only reason I can think they went for (Ashton) Agar in Sydney was as a dress rehearsal for this Test match just gone, and they didn't pick him.
"So they've sent out mixed messages, and now Agar will have to be considered.
Taylor said the dismissal of KS Bharat to have the Indians 7-240 late on day two would have been the perfect moment to bowl Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith.
"They were still in the game at that stage … they needed to bowl India out for probably 270 or less to really have a chance to turn the Test match around."
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