Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh believes that this Australian side does not have it in them to compete with Team India.
Harbhajan’s comments came after the Pat Cummins-led group succumbed to a six-wicket defeat at the hands of India in the second Test in Delhi on Sunday (February 19).
At the close of play on Day 2, the visitors were in the driver’s seat with a second-innings score of 61/1 and an overall lead of 62 runs. However, Ravindra Jadeja (7/42) spun a web around Australia with the ball in the first session on the third day to bundle out the tourists for a paltry 113.
The hosts then chased down the 115-run target to retain the Border Gavaskar Trophy for fourth straight time.
“I think before this series as well, the Australians showed what mindset they were in. They were so worried about the pitches and Ashwin. Before the game started in Nagpur, they had lost it. The first match did not do any good to their confidence. Even the second game finished in two-and-a-half days. They should look at themselves in the mirror and ask if they have done enough,” said Harbhajan while speaking to India Today.
He further pointed out that the Aussies didn’t put up a fight, while also adding that their shot selection was very poor.
“I think they did not fight and did not put up a good show. Their shot selection was very poor. They did not look like the Australian teams of the past. I understand that the conditions have changed a lot. We see that the balls is turning from ball one. But they have to fight it out, it is Test cricket,” Harbhajan stated.
“In the second Test match, the ball wasn’t spinning that much but it was just keeping low. This is where you have to come up with a plan to bat when it doesn’t bounce much. I don’t think this Australian team has it in them to compete with Team India. Even on a good track, I think India will beat them handsomely,” he remarked.
With this victory, India took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the four-match Test series. The third Test will take place in Indore from March 1.
