Gautam Gambhir believes that if the Australian team opts for a change in technique and batting approach in the middle of the series, the side will fall short of the totals posted in the recently-completed second Test against India.
In the first innings of the Delhi Test, Australia made 263 runs and established a one-run lead by dismissing India for 262. However, they were bowled out for 113 in their second innings on Sunday (February 19), losing by six wickets and falling 2-0 in the four-match series.
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When questioned about his ideas on how the visitors could make a comeback in the series during a chat on Star Sports, Gautam Gambhir responded: “I believe you cannot teach defense to these batters now. If you try to improve your technique in the middle of the series, you won’t even score the 260 and 120 you scored. Only individual performances can help Australia stage a comeback and not a collective performance.”
The former Indian opener elaborates on his belief that Australia will need players with exceptional individual skill, such as Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith, to pose a challenge: “There are a lot of players in that locker room who will have so many doubts about themselves that it will be exceedingly tough for them to recover. If Usman Khawaja scores a double hundred or Steve Smith scores a century or 150, Australia can achieve those totals, but technically, I don’t see them returning.”
“The batting will be extremely dependent on these three players”- Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir was subsequently asked if India will win the series 4-0, to which Gautam Gambhir replied: “I cannot predict if it will be 4-0 because this dressing room still has individuals – Steve Smith, Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja – the batting will be extremely dependent on these three players if David Warner doesn’t play.”
Australia led by 62 runs going into Day 3 but could only add 52 more runs to their overnight total. However, they only scored 28 runs off the last eight wickets they lost. Despite taking four wickets during India’s run chase, the match had already ended.
The Aussies must avoid losing 4-0 to India in order to advance to the World Test Championship final in June.
If India does manage to win handily at home, Australia will be rooting for the younger brother across the Tasman, since Sri Lanka would advance to the final even though they are rated seventh in the format if New Zealand were to lose to them 2-0 at home.
Also Read: IND vs AUS: David Warner To Return To Australia To Heal From A Damaged Elbow: Reports
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