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Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar, who was present at the historic win, heaped praise on the side’s performance as he hailed the quality of the batters who did an incredible job on enemy territory.
Sunil Gavaskar (PTI Photo)
Team India silenced naysayers with their statement 295-run win against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy opener at Perth to take a 1-0 lead in the highly-charged series between two of the sport’s superpowers.
Indian batting legend Sunil Gavaskar, who was present at the historic win, heaped praise on the side’s performance as he hailed the quality of the batters who did an incredible job on enemy territory.
Indian opener Jaiswal led the way with his incredible second-innings ton, and was supported by a solid 77-run knock from experienced opening partner KL Rahul.
“The way the batters batted on an unfamiliar surface was most heartening,” the legendary batsman began.
“That young Yashasvi Jaiswal showed he is a quick learner was evident by the straightness of his bat at the start of the second innings,” Gavaskar said.
“As he settled down with wonderful guidance from K.L. Rahul at the other end, one could see the Aussie shoulders sagging at the inevitability of another big hundred from this prodigy,” the 75-year-old said.
Star India batter Virat Kohli, who remained unbeaten on another century to otch up his 30th ton in Test whites, took the wind out of the Aussie sails.
“Their heads drooped even more as Virat Kohli cashed in on the solid platform set by the opening pair to get another century in Australia,” Gavaskar continued.
Gavaskar also lauded the efforts of debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy, who adapted to the situation brilliantly to top score for the visitors in the first innings with a 41-run knock, before adding a quick 38 runs off just 27 deliveries in the second innings.
“These two hundreds were terrific, as was the 200-plus opening partnership, but the most impressive innings was from Nitish Reddy,” the Indian World Cup winner continued.
“He showed an awareness of what was required which belied the fact that he was making his Test debut,” the little master continued.
“Even in the first innings, he displayed a refreshing grasp of scoring opportunities and ended up as the top scorer. His bowling too came in handy, and his fielding was outstanding. Here is a man for the future,” Gavaskar added.
India take on Australia at Adelaide in the second Test of the BGT slated to get underway on the 6th of December.
