India spank Aussies by six wickets to retain BGT Series Trophy in New Delhi
On a dramatic day in the Capital, India, led by Rohit Sharma, showed they were the masters at home as well, retaining the Border Gavaskar Trophy in style.
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IND vs AUS
Team India showed they have spine and spunk as they routed the Aussies by six wickets to win the second Test in the BGT Series at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday. On a dramatic day in the Capital, India, led by Rohit Sharma, showed they were the masters at home as well, retaining the Border Gavaskar Trophy in style.
Just imagine, this is the second Test in a row the Aussies lost within three days. There were twists and turns in the proceedings on Sunday, led by one man answering to the name of Ravindra Jadeja. His seven-wicket haul was ruthless and exposed the spineless batting this Aussie side has demonstrated, two Tests in a row.
On Saturday, when Travis Head batted, he was in the right mode, full aggro and flow. But then, Sunday was so different, as the Aussie batters came in with a plan like a suicide pact, to sweep and perish against Jadeja. All those who have watched the wicket in Capital for decades know it will stay low and slow. Maybe, the Aussies are mental wrecks, they have lost it in their head and hearts. Captain Pat Cummins has been a bore and his ploy of packing the side with spinners has been useless.
But the bigger blame will got to their batters. For a side which has come to India in a hyped series and will then go to England to play the Ashes, their morale is at an all-time low. TV commentators were cribbing how the spirit of Shane Warne was missing. This Aussie side has been so boring, one man provided the right entertainment, if that is the right word — Jadeja. His spell was mesmerizing and destructive as he grabbed seven wickets.
If the Aussies thought Nathan Lyon would be the star performer, they were fooled
There was the usual drama when India began the chase. Rohit Sharma batted with elan, KL Rahul was a ghost image of his past, flopped and should face sacking. First as Test vice captain so that he can be dropped. There are people waiting to grab a spot in the Test squad. What has been unique is the side has competed without Rishabh Pant and Jasprit Bumrah.
Back to the Indian second innings, the Aussies did put pressure on the batters with an aggressive field placement and spinners in operation. If the Aussies thought Nathan Lyon would be the star performer, they were fooled. For those who love watching batters use their feet and play spin the way it should be, Virat Kohli played a sweet knock of 20 before he was stumped.
It was then left to the man playing his 100th Test, Cheteshwar Pujara, to show he was still good. In the company of KS Bharat, the duo played sensible cricket. Bharat has shaped up as the right replacement for Pant and his batting was also effective on Sunday, as he was unbeaten on 23 off 22 balls. Pujara smashed a four for the winning runs, his face conveying a million emotions. For someone from the old school of batting, who grafts for runs, hitting a six was nice. His unbeaten 31 of 74 balls was the perfect recipe for those who value Test batting.
After the match, Pujara said there was nothing really wrong with the wicket at the Kotla. The Aussies have dreamt of spin, and turn, but the loss in the second Test is a reminder they are not the fierce competitors as in the past. They used to have attitude, sledge, taunt and get under the skin of the Indians. No way, they now are in shambles.
On a macro view, staying in the race for the ICC World Test Championship final is vital. India are in the race. The next Test is in Indore. Be sure, Rohit Sharma will go for the jugular as this Aussie side lacks fizz.
In case you missed:
Fast bowler Mohammed Shami shows his class in second Test of BGT series in New Delhi
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S Kannan
(382 Articles Published)