Virat Kohli-Led India Takes Big Break Before Crucial Boxing Day Test Match! Is This Why Ravi Shastri Was Chosen Over Disciplinarian Anil Kumble?
The Indian cricket team has opted for a four-day break in Australia amidst the ongoing series Down Under, as per a media report. Perhaps, another reason why the players and the captain, in particular, weren’t onboard with the disciplinary – Anil Kumble?
The Indian cricket team has opted for a four-day break in Australia amidst the ongoing series Down Under, as per a media report. It means that none of the players would be seen hitting the nets until December 23. The break has come as a sour taste to many Indian fans, who have lashed out on social media. Boxing Day 2018 Cricket Matches: List of Tests to Be Played on December 26 This Year.
If one looks at how the things have gone in the series, so far, there are one too many flaws and errors for the Indian team management to iron out. The bowling has been upfront with the pool of bowlers chipping in at regular intervals.
However, it is the underperforming batting line-up that has irked the fans. There was a lot of talk going around the town saying how this is the best chance for the Indian cricket team to conquer their final frontier. IND vs AUS 3rd Test 2018: Ahead of Boxing Day Test, Here’s a Look at India’s Record at MCG.
A Test series win in Australia against Australia was on the cards, for the taking. Given how the Indian batsmen have performed in the Test series, it seems that all the hue and cry was nothing but gibberish.
India did win the first match of the 4-match series in Adelaide Oval. However, the manner and the margin of the victory wasn’t as convincing. At one point in time, it also looked like the Aussies could cross the finish line. But then, it did not happen, and the Indian bowlers had a narrow escape by winning the match by 31 runs.
A 'drop-in' pitch was used at the Perth Stadium in the second Test match. The pitch proved fatal for the Indian batsmen, as they failed to chase the target of 287 runs, and folded on 140 runs eventually.
Indian openers, KL Rahul and Murali Vijay, have had a terrible series so far. What is worse for them is that the duo is being dismissed similarly for quite a long time now. Should Virat Kohli Play Mayank Agarwal in Third Test Against Australia? Openers KL Rahul and Murali Vijay’s Poor Form Has Left Indian Fans Wondering!
Except for Cheteshwar Pujara, in the first match, and Virat Kohli, in the second match, none of the other Indian batsmen have lived up to their potential. Also, Ajinkya Rahane, who has scored two half-centuries in the series so far, has struggled with his timing and placement while batting.
Rohit Sharma in first, and Hanuma Vihari in second weren’t impressive either. Rishabh Pant hasn’t looked in great touch either. Not to forget, the lower Indian order hasn’t contributed substantially either, when it comes to scoring runs.
With Prithvi Shaw out of the series, the Mayank Agarwal called in as his replacement it could have been fitting for the Indian team management to make the youngster adapt to the conditions Down Under. The batsmen who are failing to time the ball and are poking the ball outside the off stump could have ironed out these flaws. Hardik Pandya and Mayank Agarwal Added to India's Squad For 2018-19 Test Series Against Australia, Prithvi Shaw Left Out!
Instead, the narrative of the series has moved on to the on-field behaviour of the players from respective teams. Be it Virat Kohli-Tim Paine banter, or how Ravindra Jadeja and Ishant Sharma were involved in a mid-pitch verbal war, the entire focus from on how India can trounce Aussies is drifting away. Perhaps, another reason why the players and the captain, in particular, weren’t onboard with the disciplinary – Anil Kumble?
India vs Australia, 3rd Test match at Melbourne will begin on December 26. The Indian camp will have three days to gear up for the Boxing Day Test match. Given how the scenarios have been in the Test series, so far, a bit more of application and sincerity would have drawn nothing but appreciation back home!
Disclaimer: The article is not written to hurt the public image of any individual mentioned in the article. We at LatestLY do not intend to hurt or insult any person’s sentiment involved.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 21, 2018 06:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).