Pat Cummins has defended the decision to drop Travis Head for the series opener against India, following an embarrassing loss inside three days at VCA Stadium in Nagpur.
The left-handed batsmen was left out of the side in favour of Matt Renshaw and Peter Handscomb, who were selected due to their perceived superior ability to play spin bowling.
That decision back-fired however, with Renshaw failing in both innings and Handscomb struggling to make any real impact on the game, with the visitors defeated by an innings and 132 runs.
The result was one of the most embarrassing losses in recent memory for the Aussies, with their second innings collapse ringing alarm bells for the rest of the four-game series.
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Speaking to the media after the conclusion of the first Test, Cummins was adamant that Australia had picked their best side and doesn't believe much will change for the second match, backing the same playing group to turn things around.
“We were confident that was our best XI for this week," he said.
"We know how quality Trav is and he is a huge part of this team, but we were confident in the 11 guys that went out there. He was really good around the group.
"A lot of it was good bowling, two masters of their craft [Ashwin and Jadeja], fresh legs, they bowled really well.
"In saying that I don't think much is going to change the next couple of games. That's what we're going to come against so we have to find better methods.
"You saw Smithy [Steve Smith] and Alex Carey at times put the pressure back on the bowlers. I think it takes a bit of bravery, it's easier said than done.
"If you're just facing ball after ball and the bowler's pretty good, you're going to get one with your name on it.
"Again, that will be the conversation this week. If we get the same conditions, same bowlers, what are we going to do differently? I think at times probably being more proactive."
Head's omission came as a major surprise given his form over the past 18 months, but his previous struggles in the sub-continent clearly played a role in the decision.
The 29-year-old is a chance to return for the second Test in Delhi, while two other names could be back on deck from injury.
Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green both missed the opener due to finger injuries but are pushing for a return, while Josh Hazlewood is considered an outside chance to overcome an Achilles injury.
"Starcy lands today or tomorrow into Delhi," Cummins said.
"I think Joshy might not be quite ready for Delhi. He's getting up and running now, he's pretty close, but I don't think he'll be quite ready for Delhi.
"Greeny's a bit of a wait and see. Still hoping...he's had a couple of good hits out here. He's bowling's pretty good, the next couple of days we'll assess it."
Australia's second Test against India will begin on Friday, February 17th.
