‘India’s win one of the greatest comebacks’
INDIA’S head coach Ravi Shastri termed his team’s eight-wicket win against Australia on Tuesday as ‘one of the greatest comebacks’ in the history of the game after the visitors were ‘blown away’ in the series-opener in Adelaide.
Shastri lauded the entire team with special praise for resilient debutants Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj after the 36 all out nightmare in the opening Test in Adelaide.
‘I think it will go down in the annals of not only Indian cricket but world cricket as one of the greatest comebacks in the history of the game,’ Shastri replied when asked to rate the win taking his four decades of association with country’s cricket establishment into account.
‘To be rolled over for 36 in three days and then get up and ready to punch back was outstanding. Boys deserve all credit for the character they showed. It’s real character,’ said the former all-rounder, who is never short of words when it comes to praising his team.
In a year marred by the Covid-19 pandemic, a victory like this would certainly bring smiles on the faces of Indian fans, feels Shastri.
‘I think it’s a great present from the team for the millions of fans around the world to have a happy new year, bringing some smiles on the faces going into the New Year,’ he said.
‘That’s the brand of cricket we have been playing for the last three or four years.’ He was effusive in his praise for Shubman Gill, who scored 45 and 35 not out and Siraj, who had a match haul of five wickets.
‘When you saw these two debutants show that kind of flair, discipline and maturity, it was great. Today Siraj’s numbers were outstanding.’
‘...the discipline he showed while bowling long spells and that too in his first Test match and doing the job he had to do in the absence of Umesh, it was outstanding.’
With Gill, he was impressed with the intent shown by the youngster in not getting into a shell.’ ‘I thought he (Gill) looked very calm and mature for someone playing his first Test. He wasn’t afraid to play his shots as it is easy to get into a shell,’ said Shastri.