India’s Ravindra Jadeja, third right, celebrates with teammates after the wicket of Australia’s Sam Konstas during play on the first day of the fourth cricket test between Australia and India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne, Australia. (AP)
While all praise for Steve Smith, and even Pat Cummins, for their batting efforts early on day 2 at the MCG, former India head coach came down heavily on India’s tactics in the first session as they leaked runs. Shastri also questioned India’s decision to play two spinners in this match, bringing in Washington Sundar to replace Shubman Gill.
“I thought the bowling was pretty ordinary,” Shastri told Star Sports during the lunch-time show.
Shastri went on to add: “They ran out of ideas, India. Spin wasn’t used as much as it should have. It took a gap of 40 overs before Jadeja was introduced into the attack. It took a long time for Washington Sundar to bowl his first over. So when you’re playing two spinners, you have to ask the question, why did you play two spinners? What was the need if you don’t trust them?”
Australia reached 454 for seven at lunch on day two of the Boxing Day Test against India here on Friday.
Resuming the day at 311 for six, Australia pressed on the advantage with contributions from Steve Smith (139 batting), who completed his 34th Test hundred, and skipper Pat Cummins (49 off 63).
“I think India ran out of ideas. There’s absolutely no doubt about that. Because what Australia did was, there would have been a game plan. Let’s make sure we don’t lose too many wickets in that first 45 minutes. Try and get another 50 runs on the board. They were 311 for 6. Their first aim would have been 350. But the rate at which they scored the runs made the job far easier,” Shastri added.
“I am very disappointed with Akash Deep’s bowling, I am sorry, this new ball has been wasted,” Sunil Gavaskar had earlier said during commentary as well.
Shastri praised Smith. “India paid the price for it because Steve Smith is relentless. He’s a master batsman. He did the hard yards at the Gabba. And that’s paid off in this innings because he was more like his fluent self in this innings. Just the way he adapts to different conditions, different bowlers, with his footwork. His footwork changes. The movements change to different bowlers. He’s great to watch.”
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