VVS Laxman, former Indian batsman believes India’s worst-ever performance in 2nd innings in the 1st Adelaide Test should not be the occasion to pass judgments on the Indian team that has performed exceptionally well around the world in the recent past winning previous Test Series in Australia (2018), Sri Lanka (2017) and West Indies (2019).
Despite gaining the upper hand by having first innings lead by the end of the second day of the first Test, India went through a horror phase in the opening session on Day three, when they were dismissed for just 36 — their lowest ever Test total setting Australia a mere 90-run target to win, which they did without many hiccups to cruise to a comfortable eight-wicket victory.
VVS Laxman: Each Dismissal An Action Reply Of Previous One
VVS Laxman said each dismissal in India’s abject surrender to Australia in 2nd innings of the first Test was an exact action replay of the previous one.
“Watching the wickets tumble was surreal, each dismissal an action replay of the previous one. But we must not forget that as disappointing as it is for us to watch what unfolded, the players and the entire squad must be hurting badly,” Laxman wrote in his column for The Times of India on Wednesday.
Unlike their previous 2018-19 tour Down Under, when India had created history with its maiden Test series win on Australian soil, the current series opened on a disastrous note.
However, VVS Laxman wrote that it should not be forgotten that India were having the upper hand for most of the six sessions in the game before the batsmen failed in 2nd innings.
“This freak occurrence should not define these players, who have played and performed enough times in all parts of the world. I am not saying dismiss what happened, but it’s imperative to put it in perspective. India had scrapped for six sessions to get their noses in front, only for a crazy 70-minute passage to undo the good work,” the former Test specialist wrote.
Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood took five wickets while Pat Cummins took four wickets as the hosts emerged victorious winning by eight wickets.
VVS Laxman: Only A Quarter Of Test Series Is Over As New Heroes Will Emerge By Rising On The Occasion
VVS Laxman, though, stressed that there is a lot to play for with three Tests still left to play in the four-match series.
“Only a quarter of the Test series is over. With three matches to go, there is all to play for. Speaking from experience, the team might feel like it’s carrying the weight on its shoulders, but it’s darkest before dawn,” he said.
Skipper Virat Kohli has returned home for the birth of his child, while pacer Mohammed Shami has been ruled out of the remainder of Test series after suffering hand fracture. VVS Laxman said the absence of two key players should be looked at as an opportunity for the other players in the squad to step up.
“There is a great chance for new heroes to emerge, for men to put their hand up and rise to the occasion. It’s time to put Adelaide behind and target a fresh beginning,” Laxman further wrote.
He, however, did also point out the fact that the team needs to learn from mistakes committed in Adelaide and not slip once they have played themselves into an advantageous position like in Adelaide where India failed to post 300 in first innings due to run out of Virat Kohli and Australia reached 191 despite being 111/7 at one stage.
“That said, 36 all out doesn’t mask old failings that continue to haunt the side. Not for the first time in recent memory, the lower order failed to contribute anything of note overseas,” he mentioned.
It’s also time for India’s coaching staff to answer some tough questions as Indian fielding was substandard and also had nothing much to write about, with catches being dropped regularly which bothers VVS Laxman.
“Worse still, five catches were put down, which is a definite no-no, especially against a team of Australia’s caliber. India’s catching form has been very poor from the start of the tour. The lack of improvement is disappointing because this is a skill that can be honed through sustained practice,” said VVS Laxman, who was an accomplished slip fielder during his time.
To conclude with a note on bowling, VVS Laxman wrote, “The pacers were all outstanding, but particularly noteworthy were the efforts of Umesh Yadav and offie (Ravichandran) Ashwin.”
The second Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne from December 26 as India may bring in 5 changes after the Adelaide debacle.