Former India coach Ravi Shastri believes captain Rohit Sharma should open the batting, citing Pat Cummins‘ impactful leadership and performance as an example.
Australia decisively won the second Test against India by 10 wickets, leveling the five-match series at 1-1. The victory at Adelaide Oval showcased Australia’s dominant batting and bowling.
Captain Pat Cummins took 5-57 in the second innings, while Scott Boland contributed 3-51. Mitchell Starc impressed with eight wickets across both innings.
“I would like to see this man back at the top of the order – the captain. Pat Cummins made a statement by leading from the front with aggression and body language. Rohit Sharma has to be back on top. I think that’s where he is at his best.”
Rohit Sharma’s decision not to open proved detrimental, as he struggled against the Australian pace attack, scoring only 3 and 6 in his two innings.
Australia comfortably chased the target of 19 runs, with openers Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney securing the victory without loss on the third day of the pink-ball Test.
India resumed their second innings at 128-5, their hopes already diminished after a challenging final session on Saturday.
The Indian team could only add 47 runs to their overnight score, eventually being bowled out for 175.
Rishabh Pant was dismissed by Mitchell Starc in the first over of the day without adding to his overnight score of 28. Nitish Kumar Reddy offered some resistance with a score of 42 before falling to Scott Boland.
Australia’s comprehensive victory at Adelaide Oval showcased their strength and resilience, bouncing back emphatically after their loss in the first Test. The performance of their bowlers, particularly Cummins, Boland, and Starc, was instrumental in their win.
India’s batting struggles were evident throughout the match, highlighting the need for improvements in their approach against the Australian pace attack. The series is now evenly poised at 1-1, promising an exciting contest in the remaining matches.