Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi took to Twitter to react to India’s 8-wicket loss in the first Test against Australia in Adelaide on Saturday. Afridi backed India to bounce back in the upcoming matches and said the visitors are still capable of staging a fightback in the four-match rubber.
Pat Cummins and Jos Hazlewood set up a comfortable win for Australia on Day 3 of the Adelaide Test after tremendous spells of pace bowling. The duo combined to wreak havoc on the Indian batting line-up and snared all nine wickets between them to restrict India on 36/9.
None of the Indian batsmen including captain Virat Kohli managed to reach the double-figure mark while number 11 Mohammed Shami had to leave retired hurt after taking a blow on his wrist while batting. It was a disappointing batting performance from Team India, who failed to capitalise on the 53-run lead they had gained after bundling out Australia for 191 in their first innings.
Nonetheless, Afridi backed India to make a comeback but observed it will be difficult for the visitors to do it without their best batsman and captain Kohli. He also lauded Cummins and Hazlewood for their brilliant performances with the ball.
“Brilliant display by Cummins and Hazelwood today, really enjoyed top-quality Test match fast bowling after long time. Indian batting is still capable of fighting back but it will be now tougher without Kohli,” Afridi tweeted.
Cummins drew the first blood for Australia on Day 3 in the form of nightwatchman Jasprit Bumrah, who was dismissed on 2 before removing Cheteshwar Pujara on a duck. Hazlewood then got rid of Mayank Agarwal on 9 before Cummins returned to send back Kohli on 4 off 8 balls. The other batsmen followed suit as Hazlewood went on to complete his 5-wicket haul.
In reply, Australia chased down the 90-run target inside 21 overs while losing only two wickets and won the only pink-ball Test of the series by 8 wickets. ( TN )
