Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar says he’s never witnessed Australians batting as defensively at home as they did on day two of the first Test between the two sides on Friday.
Having bowled out India for 250 off the first ball of the day, Australia ended the day on 191/7 after 88 overs, thanks to some disciplined, tight bowling from the visitors.
For a side known for scoring at over three or four runs an over, especially at home, Australia’s slow-march in their first innings, where the run rate currently stands at 2.17, came as a surprise – even allowing for the pressure built by India’s bowlers.
Tendulkar hoped India would take advantage of the match situation, with the batting great tweeting his surprise as Australia’s mindset.
“The defensive mindset by the Australian batsmen at home is something I’ve not seen before in my experience,” said Tendular on Twitter.
#TeamIndia should make the most of this situation and not lose their grip. The defensive mindset by the Australian batsmen at home is something I’ve not seen before in my experience. @ashwinravi99 has been very effective and has played a role to help the team be on top, for now.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) December 7, 2018
Ravichandran Ashwin bowled beautifully to pick up three wickets, at one point bowling a 22-over unbroken spell during the peak of the day’s hottest weather, finishing the day with figures of 3/50 off of 33 overs.
Jasprit Bumrah bowled six maiden overs across two spells, ending the day with 2/34 from his 20 overs, while Ishant Sharma was similarly attritional, with figures of 2/31 from his 15 overs.
Travis Head’s unbeaten 61 kept Australia in the hunt after the top-order collapse.
