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Ravi Shastri feels the ploy to play two spinners seems questionable considering how they have been used by India in the ongoing 4th Test against Australia.
Ravindra Jadeja (left) and Washington Sundar. (AP Photo)
Ravi Shastri has criticised India’s bowling during the first session of the second day of 4th Test against Australia. Shastri, a former India head coach, felt their bowling was “ordinary” and team looks bereft of ideas.
Australia resumed on their overnight score of 311/6 with overnight pair of Steve Smith alongside captain Pat Cummins with the pair adding 112 runs for the seventh wicket before being separated. Cummins was dismissed on 49 but Smith went on to complete his 34th Test century.
Australia eventually were bowled out for 474.
Shastri questioned why India played two spinners – Ravinda Jadeja and Washington Sundar – if they weren’t going to use them as much.
“I thought the bowling was pretty ordinary,” Shastri said on Star Sports. “They ran out of ideas, India. Spin wasn’t used as much as it should have. It took a gap of 40 overs before Jadeja was introduced into the attack. It took a long time for Washington Sundar to bowl his first over. So when you’re playing two spinners, you have to ask the question, why did you play two spinners? What was the need if you don’t trust them?”
Shastri pointed out Australia scored freely and the Indian bowlers didn’t know how to counter that approach.
“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’s a master batsman. He did the hard yards at the Gabba. And that’s paid off in this innings because he was more like his fluent self in this innings. Just the way he adapts to different conditions, different bowlers, with his footwork. His footwork changes. The movements change to different bowlers. He’s great to watch,” he said.
- Location :
Melbourne (Australia)
