Indian head coach Ravi Shastri was very happy with the team’s performance in the recently-concluded MCG Test, as Ajinkya Rahane-led team won the match by 8 wickets and drew level in the four-Test Border-Gavaskar trophy series.
This win was extremely special after the humiliating loss in Adelaide, where India was bowled out for 36-their lowest Test score in an innings and had lost the match by 8 wickets.
"I think this will go down in the annals of Indian cricket, world cricket, as one of the great comebacks in the history of the game. To be rolled over for 36, then three days later to get up and be ready to punch was outstanding. I think the boys deserve all the credit for showing real character," said Shastri after they leveled the series 1-1.
India gained an upper hand after losing the toss in MCG and bowling first by keeping Australia to 195, with Bumrah taking 4 and Ashwin taking 3 wickets. India then made 326 runs with captain Ajinkya Rahane making 112 and Jadeja making 57, with young debutant Shubman Gill making 45.
AUS v IND 2020-21: "Really proud of all the players", says Ajinkya Rahane after victory in 2nd Test
In the second innings of Australia, they were bundled out for 200, as Mohammed Siraj, also making his debut, stepped up in absence of Umesh Yadav and picked 3 wickets to finish his first Test with 5 wickets in total. Gill then remained unbeaten on 35 as India chased down the 70-run target at the loss of two wickets.
Shastri lauded Gill and Siraj’s performances and said that they had good futures ahead.
"These two debutants showed maturity and flair and discipline and it was great to see. Today Siraj, his effort was outstanding. He might not have the numbers to show for it, but the discipline and the ability to bowl long spells were outstanding. More than anything, they have shown great character," Shastri said.
The next test between Australia and India is expected to be played at the SCG from January 7, however, there are doubts lingering due to COVID-19 cases spike in Sydney.
India will be bolstered by the return of Rohit Sharma in the squad, who will complete his quarantine on Wednesday, December 30, and will be flown to Melbourne by CA to enter the Indian team’s bio-bubble.
(AFP inputs)
