On slow and low Kotla track, Australians sweep their way to self-destruction

The collapse ensured another day three finish after the series opener in Nagpur.

Given the manner of their dismissals, it would be fair to say that the Australians 'swept' their way to self-destruction in the face of the Indian spinners' guile in the second Test in New Delhi.

Going into the morning session of the third day, Australia had a slight upper hand with a 62-run lead and nine wickets in hand, promising an exciting finish in front of a 20,000 plus Test loving crowd.

The visitors were expected to continue their aggressive approach they showed on Saturday evening but overemphasis on the sweep shot brought about their dramatic downfall as they lost nine wickets for 52 runs in 19.1 overs on a balmy Sunday morning.

The collapse ensured another day three finish after the series opener in Nagpur.

Half of the side including Steve Smith, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins and number 11 Matthew Kuhnemann fell to either the conventional or the reverse sweep.

The cross-batted shot can be an attacking option against the rampaging Indian spinners in their own conditions but it can't be the only option, especially on a low track like the Kotla.

"In India, at a very early age you are told not to sweep on low bounce pitches. It doesn't work. The biggest example was Steve Smith's dismissal. The difference between bat and ball was at least six inches (as he went for the sweep off R Ashwin).