India beat Australia by 295 runs in first Test in Perth

This result will leave serious questions around Australia – with the gap between Tests only likely to extend the post mortem.

They were in the ascendancy after bowling India out for 150 within two sessions on the opening day, but fluffed the advantage by being dismissed for 104.

It is a worrying trend for Pat Cummins’ side, with the top order folding on five occasions in seven Tests in the past 12 months.

Four of the top six are in particularly worrying form, with Khawaja and Smith having gone 11 Tests with a century, Marsh 10 and Marnus Labuschagne nine.

Nathan McSweeney managed only 10 runs in two innings on Test debut and there are likely to be questions about whether the Queenslander, who has never opened in first-class cricket, was the right option at the top of the order.

Pundits have also questioned whether Australia were aggressive enough with the ball at times in this Test, while their preparation – a white-ball series against Pakistan – has already been put under the microscope.

Australia have won nine of their past 10 Tests in Adelaide, but that defeat was against India.

If they lose again the series and a place in the World Test Championship final look in doubt.