SYDNEY: Former Captain Allan border on Sunday he criticized Australia A’s lack of a fight in the final session of the second day of play in the pink ball prep game against India here, calling it “utter disgrace.”
Rishabh Pant’s brutal blows, which contrasted with Hanuma Viharisolidity, saw India squash 170 runs for the loss of just one wicket in the final session. Both reached their hundreds during that phase of the game, and Pant took him off the last ball of the day after 22 runs.
“One of the worst and (most) lethargic performances I have seen in the last session of any cricket,” Border said on Fox Cricket.
“This is Australia A, they are representing Australia, they are young guys trying to break through. That field performance, bowling performance, captaincy performance – an absolute disgrace. Not up to par at all.”
The four-match test series against India begins with the first day and night match in Adelaide on December 17-21.
Australia A, however, gave a better account of themselves on a facilitated third day track on Sunday, despite being downgraded to 25 by 3, finishing at 305 by 4 ridden in the centuries of Ben McDermott and Jack Wildermuth.
Both batsmen survived a barrage of gorillas under the lights of Indian pacemakers before the match ended in a draw at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Border, under whose captaincy Australia won its first World Cup in 1987 before entering a prolonged period of dominance, asked any member struggling with his criticism to approach him.
“I’m happy that any of those guys come to talk to me about what happened yesterday afternoon and stay corrected, but very common things,” he said.
The Australians have been dealing with a number of injury problems ahead of the opening test against India and Alex CarreyOne team “gave up” in the last session.
“You can bear to be beaten and we’ve had some bad performances, I’ve been a part of quite a few, but I don’t think you’ve ever accused the Australian sides of not doing it,” he said.
“You can get hit fairly and have a rough day at the office, that happens, but it’s just your attitude, I don’t blame everyone, but it was just overall.
“They just aren’t good enough guys I’m afraid I don’t usually get a chance but after last night you deserve it.”
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