“We aren’t sure if the Indian side has the capacity to bounce back”: a line picked and popularised by the Australian press and media after India was dismissed after its disastrous defeat at Adelaide Oval where it scored the lowest-ever test score of 36. Skipper Virat Kohli was at a loss for words after the horror inflicted by a fine Aussie bowling unit.
Reconciling was going to be out of bounds, as a morally battered and bruised Team India had given up on the hope of holding the title. But its comeback in Melbourne and Sydney has reignited the Team’s spirit further up for creating one of the finest cricketing histories ever. Siraj consciously stitched those moments, followed by the backup of Natarajan and Thakur. This was matched by the expectations of Pujara, Pant and Rahane, who were clever and careful in accessing their control and boosted India’s prospects significantly.
I should confess that these guys looked handy and handsome with their courageous and convincing performance. Compensating for the players falling prey to the Australian onslaught, I am of the opinion that Pant and company gave a befitting reply to their attack by hitting the winning shot at Brisbane’s Gabba.
The last time Aussies got defeated at Brisbane’s Gabba was in 1988 by West Indies. Thus, India creating history on this ground does serves a purpose.