India were completely out of ideas as Steve Smith and Travis Head opened up a batting masterclass on Day 2 of the ongoing third Test at The Gabba in Brisbane.
Explosive centuries from Smith and Head pushed Australia into a commanding position as they ended the day at stumps on 405/7, exposing their lack of effective tactics against India’s attack.
After Australia’s attack in Brisbane, Rohit Sharma’s captaincy was criticized by former cricketers.
Adding to India’s woes, Rohit SharmaAs Travis Head and Steve Smith savaged all the bowlers around the Gabba in Brisbane in the decisive third Test, the captaincy lacked the spark and imagination needed to turn the tide in their favour.
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Criticizing Rohit Sharma’s captaincy in the ongoing Gabba Test, former Australian cricketer Kerry O’Keeffe said his fielding missed the mark and allowed Australia to dominate Day 2 without much of a fight.
O’Keeffe felt Rohit had a bad day as captain in Brisbane. The noted commentator also pointed out that India’s inability to apply consistent pressure only made things more difficult for the bowlers who struggled for bounces.
Don’t think Rohit Sharma had his best day as captain: Kerry O’Keeffe
O’Keeffe further noted that the Indian cricket team’s poor execution of plans and defensive approach left them with a mountain to climb as Australia took complete control of the crucial Test match at The Galle.
Fox Sports quoted Kerry O’Keefe as saying: “I don’t think Rohit Sharma had his best day as captain. He’ll say the pitch was so good we were just trying to control it with the outfield players, but you had to put pressure on Australia and get them out.”
The former Australian cricketer added: “At the heart of his success is Travis Head, who comes in and leaves the result; he is not afraid of failure. He doesn’t look at his scorecard; he looks at bowling and fielding… that’s what you aspire to in cricket.”
Meanwhile, India’s lack of a clear strategy has come under fire from the former England captain Michael Vaughan He criticized Rohit Sharma and his bowlers’ hesitant approach against Australia during the Gabba Test. He felt that the Indian team did not stick to a game plan on Day 2.
Michael Vaughan slams Rohit Sharma’s Gabba Test captaincy
The Indian cricket team has floundered between half-hearted attempts without following a single approach, and this inconsistency has allowed Travis Head and Steve Smith to thrive in Brisbane.
With no definite plan, whether it was targeting edges, using aggressive short balls or setting traps with fuller deliveries, the Indian team’s efforts faltered and Vaughan believes the lack of a solid strategy led to cracks in their preparation and execution. Test moment series.
Michael Vaughan said on Fox Sports during the Gabba Test: “They don’t stick to one tactic long enough. Are they trying to hide it? Why don’t they try to crack it? Why don’t they go full and wide and collect the offside?’
However, Ravi Shastri had earlier defended Rohit’s captaincy as the former India coach blamed the Indian bowlers for Australia’s dominance in the ongoing Gabba Test.
