BATHURST cricket commentator Trent Copeland has called for Australia's Test players to "take a good look at each other" in the wake of their shock series loss to India.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On Tuesday afternoon India ended Australia's 32-year unbeaten stretch at the Gabba as they chased down the 328 they required for victory.
It set a new record for the biggest fourth innings chase at the Brisbane ground, eclipsing the old mark of 236 runs set in 1951. It also meant India won the series 2-1 and retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Given India won at the Gabba without the the likes of regular skipper Virat Kohli, who returned home after the first Test, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravi Jadeja or Ravi Ashwin, it made the victory even more impressive.
It was an effort that had Copeland, a man who has experienced playing Test cricket in the baggy green and is a star of the New South Wales Sheffield Shield outfit, impressed
The 7 Cricket commentator told Sunrise he was "devastated" he was unable to witness the Test unfold live, COVID-19 border restrictions preventing him from being there.
"It was quite incredible, like the rest of the country I was glued to the TV," he said.
"It was not just India's potential greatest Test series victory and maybe even Test victory, but maybe the most amazing away series victory in Test history by any team."
While it triggered celebrations for the Indians and drew them praise as they sealed victory with three wickets in hand and 18 balls remaining, Copeland acknowledged the Australians do need to take a close look at their performance both at the Gabba and across the series as a whole.
After winning the first Test at Adelaide by eight wickets on the back of bowling India out for just 36 runs in their second innings, things turned.
Australia lost the second Test at the SGC by eight wickets as they struggled with the bat and in the Third test in Sydney, India pulled off a remarkable draw as they frustrated the hosts' bowling attack on the final day.
Copeland feels there are questions to be asked before Australia's upcoming tour of South Africa.
"They've got to take a good look at each other and in that changeroom they no doubt will have done that yesterday, on their plans, their tactics, how they execute on day five after they've come up empty on the last two Test matches," he said.
"Particularly at home and after winning the toss on both occasions.
"There'll be some tough questions asked between now and the next series, that's for sure."
Though Australia's squad may see some alterations, Copeland felt the series could signal the rise of a new crop of Test stars for India as those who came in to replace injured players impressed.
"Just think about if Steve Smith and our entire bowling attack, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon were all out for this match ... it was really remarkable," Copeland said.
"Virat Kohil left after Adelaide and they had so many injuries, 20 plus players, yesterday was a special day in the history of Test cricket.
"This is the making of some of those players for India Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, I think will be heroes in India and huge parts of that team moving forward."
