Australia top-order seriously out of form: Ian Healy

NEW DELHI: Legendary wicketkeeper Ian Healy has called attention to the top three Australian batsmen's severe lack of form ahead of the pivotal Boxing Day Test match against India on December 26 and advised them to produce if they wish to be in the team.

Travis Head and Steve Smith both scored hundreds as Australia amassed 445 in the first innings of the rain-shortened third Test match in Brisbane. However, the home team struggled in the second innings and declared at 89 for 7.

The five-match Test series is now 1-1 as the match ended in a draw.

"I don't see them (Australia) regressing going into Melbourne, but they are out of form, they're seriously out of form," Healy told SEN Radio.

Before Smith and Head stopped the decline with hundreds in the first innings, opening batsmen Usman Khawaja, Nathan McSweeney, and one-drop hitter Marnus Labuschagne did not live up to expectations at the Gabba.

The top three only managed 13 runs in the second innings, which made matters worse.

"Questions have got to be asked of George Bailey: 'Can we get this form back? Are you confident that form will reemerge in our top three?'

"Otherwise changes have to be made, and 'what suggestions might you have for us, George?' That type of thing."

Healy urged Khawaja, McSweeney, and Labuschagne to return to the fundamentals, believing that the Melbourne Test should be their best opportunity to make amends.

"The Melbourne Test is probably the least volatile wicket they'll play on and that's their best chance. But form takes a little longer than a week to turn around, and it's just not coming for them.

"They've got to get right back to basics and strip it right back. See the ball and hit it, don't care where your feet go. That's the first step, just get some clarity in your head," said Healy.

For Australia to have a chance of reclaiming the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, they need to avoid losing in Melbourne.