India captain Virat Kohli honestly admitted after the first test: “I played two days of good cricket to get in position and then lose it in an hour. It really hurts. “Kohli’s words at the post-match presentation ceremony after the Pink Ball Test in Adelaide against Australia summed up the mood of an entire nation. India had done well by taking a 62-run lead at the end. Day 2 in his first Overseas Day / Night Test against the mighty Australians.
With 9 plots in hand, Kohli & co, were expected to have a challenging total for the hosts to chase after. But closers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood changed the script. The duo collected 8 wickets in the first session, ending India’s stay in the middle at 36/9 (Mohammed Shami retired injured after suffering a blow to the forearm). It was India’s lowest total in a test entry.
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It took Australia just 21 overs to chase the total of 90 runs with eight wickets in hand. The demoralizing defeat will now be followed by a showdown that begins on Boxing Day at MCG. But sadly for the visitors, the captain would leave the ship for the birth of his first child. Kohli had been granted paternity leave and would fly back to India and miss the rest of the tests.
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting pointed out why it would be really difficult for India to bounce back now in the four-game series, trailing 1-0.
“Since Kohli isn’t there either, hardly anyone can get them back after a loss like that. They must make a couple of changes. Rishabh Pant has to be in that middle order. Since Kohli is not there, they have to strengthen their hitting, he has to come in, ”Ponting told cricket.com.au.
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“I’m sure, but there is one thing to make selection changes and another to lift their spirits again and make sure they are mentally fit for the next challenge because the Australians are not leaving now,” he added.
Ponting also predicted a cleanup in favor of Australia.
“There could be a good (sweep) chance. Let’s hope we get a result in Melbourne and if we do, I think it will be very difficult for India to recover and win a match, ”concluded Ponting.
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