NEW DELHI: Ex-Australian pacer Glenn McGrath has said that the Pat Cummins-led side is heavily dependent on Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschange in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy and added that the "whole batting line-up needs to stand up." 

"I think they are relying too much on Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne at the moment. Travis Head has had a really good year as well. The whole batting line-up has to stand up," McGrath said.

After losing the first two Test matches in Nagpur and Delhi, respectively, Australia has already given up the Border-Gavaskar trophy, drawing harsh criticism for their strategy and shot choices.

McGrath questioned Australia's strategy for dealing with spin, saying that in the first Test they took a defensive stance while in the second game they were acting too aggressively.

"They were both very aggressive and overly defensive throughout the first test. We shall thus assess their progress after these two matches. They need to strike a balance and set a price for their wicket.

The legendary fast bowler also commented on Australia's bowling lineup, saying: "In India, you must start an inning with strong defence before looking for ways to score and increase the pressure on the bowlers.

"They were unable to come and clean up the tail. The previous three batters have accrued 160 or more. They are to blame for the issues. Whether they correctly guessed the bowling changes? Pat Cummins might have been able to arrive sooner," he said.

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