Poor shot selection on Day 5 cost India fourth Test: Shastri

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has attributed the national team’s defeat in the Boxing Day Test to “poor shot selection on either side of the middle session” on Day 5, a lapse that he believes cost the visitors both the game and their grip on the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Shastri refrained from naming specific players but acknowledged that dismissals involving “two senior players and a youngster” would face intense scrutiny.

“It was amazing to see the Indian crowds having travelled from all parts of the globe to come experience Test cricket at its best at the G,” Shastri wrote in a column. “Unfortunately for them, some poor shot selection on either side of the middle session on the final day cost India the game. And probably has ensured that India may have lost their grip on the Border Gavaskar Trophy with one Test to go,” he added.

Skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant have faced criticism for their performances in the fourth Test, which Australia won by 184 runs to secure a 2-1 lead in the series.

India must win the final Test in Sydney to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, while a draw or loss will see Australia reclaim the prestigious title for the first time since the 2014-15 series.

While Rohit and Kohli struggled to overcome technical and mental challenges, Pant’s mis-timed pull to long-on triggered a dramatic second-innings collapse.

“There will be a few of other second-innings dismissals that will be scrutinised in India as well, involving two senior players and a youngster. Three very loose shots,” Shastri said.

He also highlighted the contrast in leadership performances by Rohit and his Australian counter part Pat Cummins, who was adjudged the Player of the Match. While Cummins has performed exceptionally well by raising his standards over the course of the series, Rohit has been miserable and has produced under-par performances.

Carey backs Starc to win fitness race

Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey has backed Mitchell Starc to be ready for the decisive fifth and final Test of the series against India when it starts in Sydney on Friday despite doubts over the fast bowler’s fitness. Starc was sent for back scans after clutching his ribs and side in the latter stages of Australia’s thrilling 184-run victory in the fourth Test in Melbourne, which earned Pat Cummins’ side a 2-1 series lead. “He’ll be fine, he’ll push through,” Carey said. “I have played with Starcy for a long time now and he is one of the toughest cricketers I have played with. So he’ll grimace, he’ll grab his rib, no doubt, but he’ll be ready for the contest.”

The win in Melbourne means the Australians can claim the series, and with it the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, with a draw in Sydney. Carey stressed, however, that he and his team mates would be pushing for another victory to seal the series in style. “To go into this last game 2-1 up is great for the group but it’s another opportunity to win a Test match,” he said. “We always play to win the game and then work backwards from there. (We’re in) a good position but I think this group’s really keen to come here, put our good foot forward from day one and see what happens.” Reuters

Could pass law that makes Bumrah bowl left-handed, jokes Australian PM

Such has been the impact of Jasprit Bumrah in the Border-Gavaskar trophy that Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese jokingly suggested a law that forces India’s pace spearhead to bowl “left-handed” against the home team. “We could pass a law here that says he has to bowl left-handed or off one step. Every time he has come on to bowl has been very exciting,” Albanese said. PtI