Team India’s historic Test series win over Australia down under will go down as ages as one of the greatest Test series of all time.
After suffering a humiliating defeat in the first Test match at Adelaide, Team India put together stellar performances and created history by clinching the Border-Gavaskar Trophy earlier this year in Australia.
Despite being battered and bruised, Ajinkya Rahane-led Team India bounced backed strongly and showed great character and application to register a historic victory at Melbourne (MCG) and a famous draw at Sydney (SCG).
With only 3 players from the XI that played in Adelaide taking the field in Brisbane, India then pulled off a stunning feat, becoming the first team since Sir Viv Richards' West Indies side in 1988-89 to defeat Australia at their fortress, Gabba. With a 3 wicket victory over Australia at Gabba, visitors retained the Border-Gavaskar trophy.
In a recent interaction on Fox Cricket hosted by former Australia cricketers Mark Waugh and Brendon Julian, Michael Vaughan and Australia coach Justin Langer were asked about the incredible series played between India and Australia.
Talking in this regard, former England skipper Michael Vaughan jokingly said that “There's no shame in losing to India's 3rd XI,”
Reacting to this, Australian head coach Justin Langer reiterated his stance about India producing 'tough' quality players because of its large population. He explained that because of the competition that prevails in the country, the Test series saw some 'fierce' talent in action.
"I know we all joke, Vaughany (Michael Vaughan) jokes about India's second and third XI but the truth is, in a country of one and a half billion people, who love cricket, if you make the first XI, you're going to have a pretty tough team.
"There will be pretty good players, and when the opportunity comes, you've got to be ready to grab them. We saw that exceptional young talent, they were fierce. Unfortunately, we were on the wrong side of the ledger,” Justin Langer said.
Team India will now be seen in action in the WTC final against New Zealand, which will be played from June 18-22, with 23rd being a reserve day. After that the Virat Kohli-led side will engage in a five-match Test series against England, starting 4th August.
(Fox Cricket inputs)
