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Once again, Australia’s mental lapses proved to be their downfall, even more so than their performance on the field, as they lost another three-day test.
Despite emphasizing the importance of not panicking in sub-continental conditions, Australia’s bizarre half-hour sweep-fest cost them the game and possibly the series.
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The match began with Australia electing to bat, and after Usman Khawaja rebounded from a poor performance in the first test, he was aided by Handscomb, though Smith and Labuschagne experienced a rare failure.
In the first innings, Mo Shami took four wickets, with Ashwin and Jadeja contributing three apiece. India’s response was shaky, with KL Rahul continuing his poor form and the majority of the top order struggling to score runs.
They were in a precarious position at 139/7, but Ashwin and Axar led a late resurgence to reduce Australia’s lead to a single run.
It’s been a great Test match, unfortunately I didn’t get any runs in the first innings, but I knew if I stay for the first 10 minutes I can score. A special feeling, was very nervous as my entire family was there. A special feeling to hit the winning boundary, looking forward to the remaining two Tests,” said Cheteshwar Pujara.
Australia now has a welcome break of almost two weeks before the action resumes in Indore, and they could certainly benefit from it, if only for some mental rejuvenation.
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