The wicket dished out for the first Test between India and Australia at Pune was nothing short of a disaster. The ball spun viciously from the very first session and the cracks were visible to the naked eye right from the start. Such a treacherous wicket gave enough indications that the game wouldn’t last five days right from the very offset. The result though, was highly contrasting as the hosts collapsed like a pack of cards to seal a finish late on the third day.
Ahead of the second Test at Bengaluru, a place where India enjoys a fabulous Test record, coach Anil Kumble admitted he is anticipating a result-oriented wicket. Speaking to the press, the local hero seemed confident despite his side conceding a lead to Australia right in the very first Test.
“I have played here all my life, and it has generally been a good batting surface,” said Kumble.
“I’m sure it will be a result wicket and that is what we exactly want. Yes, it’s always a good batting wicket and we’re hoping that it’s a result wicket,” he added.
Kumble backed his team completely when quizzed about the loss in the first Test and said his side is looking to perform well in the remaining three Tests.
“You can’t keep winning every game. It has to come to an end. 20 games winning streak in international cricket is quite challenging. This team has able to do it. This team adapted to different situations but last game we did not and that’s why we lost,” Kumble said.
The Indian coach also fully backed Ajinkya Rahane, despite question marks over the latter’s recent form.
“There’s no question of dropping Ajinkya Rahane. He has scored well and has extremely successful. We still haven’t discussed the team composition. It is unfortunate that Karun Nair has missed out. That’s how the team composition goes.”That’s the beauty about this group. Whoever has come in, has done really well. Unfortunate for Karun, he is a class act. Our aim is to win every game,” he concluded.