Australian hitters have been criticized for their below-average performances in the current Border-Gavaskar trophy. A victory in Adelaide kept them away from criticism to some extent. However, they were exposed in Melbourne, where India made a great comeback and beat them by 8 wickets.
The drop in Australia’s batting standards has upset many experts, including former captain Ricky Ponting. He noted that the hosts did not show enough intention when batting against India in the test series so far. While speaking on the ‘Unplayable Podcast’, the former captain stated that the Australians’ lack of units and shots took their toll.
“I can count on one hand in Two Test matches how many shooting shots have been played, how many hits on the ground have you seen? You can’t tell me that neither short balls nor full balls have been thrown. It was enough, ”said Ponting.
The former captain also criticized the Australian hitters, claiming that Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane played more shots than the Australians in their four innings so far.
“We saw it today, I know it was a small total and it’s easier to go and play your shots, but Shubman Gill and Ajinkya Rahane played more good shots than I think Australia has played in the two events. For the Indian batsmen to do that against our attack and for ours not to, it will be an excuse to say that their bowlers were good, ”said Ponting.
The Australians have been too slow to score runs against India in the ongoing test series. In the second inning of the Melbourne Test, the hosts hit for 102.3 overs and managed to post just 200 runs, at a run rate of less than 2 runs per over.
Furthermore, this was the first time since 1988 that no Australian player scored half a century in a test match at home.
With the series leveled at 1-1, both teams will meet in the third test that begins January 7 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
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