Ravi Shastri has lambasted the Indian bowling performance during the first session of day two of the 4th Test against Australia. According to Shastri, who was once the head coach of Team India, the bowling was rather “ordinary” as the team seemed bereft of ideas.
Australia resumed action at 311/6, owing much of the performance today to overnight pair of Steve Smith alongside captain Pat Cummins with them adding 112 runs contributing for seventh wicket before separated. Cummins fell at 49 while Smith completed his 34th Test ton.
Australia was bowled out for 474 at the end.
He asked why India played two spinners – Ravinda Jadeja and Washington Sundar – if they were not going to get them into action as frequently.
“This variety of bowling from me proved to be the most ordinary one,” Shastri mentioned on Star Sports. “There were no more plans left to be executed, India. There was not enough spin for the spin to be used. It took almost 40 overs for them to finally introduce Jadeja into the attack-before Washington Sundar could bowl his first over. So when you’re heading with two spinners, I have to say, why did you play two spinners? What was the need if you don’t trust them?”
Shastri came pointing at saying Australia scored freely, and Indian bowlers had no idea to tackle that.
“I think India ran out of ideas. There’s absolutely no doubt about that. Because what Australia did was, there would have been a game plan. Let’s make sure we don’t lose too many wickets in that first 45 minutes. Try and get another 50 runs on the board. They were 311 for 6. Their first aim would have been 350. But the rate at which they scored the runs made the job far easier,” Shastri said.
Shastri was all praise for Smith who made 140 off 197 with the help of 13 fours and three sixes.
“…Steve Smith is relentless. He is a master batsman. He put the hard yards at the Gabba. And that has paid dividends in this innings with him behaving much more like his fluent self in this innings. Just the way he adapts to different conditions, different bowlers, with his footwork. His footwork changes. Movements change to different bowlers. He’s great to watch,” he said.
