When India and Australia clash, the battle is often etched in record books as a memorable affair each time. The second Test at Bengaluru of the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy was no different, as the Indians made a lion-hearted comeback out of nowhere, to seal the game and level the series. With two more games to go, the series has completely opened up, and with India on the offensive now, Australia could be in for some stick.
The game though, was marred by several controversies as words were exchanged in the due course. During the first couple of days, former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy wasn’t too pleased with Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s aggressive behavior and mentioned the Delhi lad was losing his respect.
In his statement during the game, Healy apparently said:
“The pressure is starting to MOUNT on Kohli.
“I’m losing respect for him. He’s not only now continuing his disrespect of the Australian players and umpires, but I think he’s putting pressure on his own players now.
“His feistiness and real aggression towards the opposition has been good in the past, especially when he wasn’t captain.
“It would lead his team with him. They’re more timid than they look and they let on, the Indian cricketers.
“So Kohli’s aggression was good for them. But I think it’s not good for them anymore,” the former wicketkeeper added.
Post India’s stunning victory, former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar slammed Healy for his comments on Kohli, and said that doing so backfired immensely for the Australians. In a series of tweets, the Rawalpindi Express lauded the Indian side and then went on to openly question Healy’s comments over Virat Kohli.
Super show by @imVkohli &his men vs @CricketAus.I like him but history will also judge him how he handles pressures of cricket & life @BCCI
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) March 7, 2017
Amused 2 read @Iheals take on @imVkohli. Come on Heals have heard many 'polite enquiries' in ur deep voice, case of pot calling kettle black
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) March 7, 2017
If anything @Iheals comments on @imVkohli may have switched him & his team on even more. Sorry Heals this was a self-goal!
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) March 7, 2017