India (IND) suffered a major defeat in the opening Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy as they were bundled out for 36 in the second innings, their lowest score in an innings in Test cricket, set a 90-run target for the hosts Australia (AUS) who chased down the total with 8-wickets in hand at Adelaide Oval in Adelaide.
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Indian skipper Virat Kohli expressed his disappointment after the result of the 1st Test, considering the Men in Blue came up with a dominating display in the first two days of the concluded match and were in a good position to secure a win in the day-night Test.
“It is very hard to put those feeling into words. We had a lead of 60-odd when we arrived. And then collapsed. Played two days of good cricket to get in a position and then just lose it in an hour. Really hurts. Probably didn’t have enough intent in the batting today. It is something that needs to be reflected and learned from,” Kohli said in the post-match presentation.
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India had posted 244 runs in the first innings courtesy Virat Kohli leading upfront with 74 off 180 deliveries, followed by a gritty knock of 43 off 160 deliveries from Cheteshwar Pujara in the first innings. In response, Tim Paine & Co could aggregate only 191 runs as India’s bowling attack was successful in executing their plans, with off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin scalping 4/55 and pacers Umesh Yadav (3/40) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/52) chipping in at crucial moments.
“Bowlers bowled similar kinds of areas in the first innings as well, but then our mindset was to get runs. There were some good balls. But I don’t think it did anything drastic. Just the atmosphere was created where runs were difficult to come by. I think it was a combination of both – lack of intent and bowlers bowling in good areas,” said the Indian skipper.
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Virat Kohli’s absence for the remainder of the series, owing to him being on paternity leave, creates a major void in the batting order, something the Ajinkya Rahane-led side would have to fill in the upcoming matches. However, the 32-year-old Delhi-born is pretty confident that the team would bounce back harder from the defeat incurred at Adelaide and render a favorable result in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
“Obviously you want to be committed to the team’s cause. Confident, the boys going forward will reflect on this and come up with a better result on Boxing Day,” said Kohli.
Mohammed Shami was in a lot of pain, couldn’t even lift his arm: Virat Kohli
Pacer Mohammed Shami (4) was retired hurt after suffering a blow to his right forearm off Pat Cummins’ delivery and as a result, India declared on 36/9, their lowest Test score in an innings.
“No news on Shami, he is going for a scan now. Was in a lot of pain, couldn’t even lift his arm. We will probably know in the evening what happens,” Kohli added.
The tourists are now 1-0 down in the ongoing 4-match series and would have to retaliate to keep the series alive. The second Test between India and Australia will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26.
