Former Australia skipper Allan Border has savaged Steve Smith for his attitude in the recently-concluded first Test between India and Australia at the VCA Stadium in Nagpur.
The world number one Test side faced a crushing defeat as India inflicted a humiliating innings defeat on them. The hosts thrashed the visitors by an innings and 132 runs inside three days to take the lead in the three-match series.
Australia just could not make any mark in the game as India clinched the game without facing any trouble. Batting first, the Pat Cummins-led side was bowled out for just 177 before India piled up 400 runs.
Australia’s batting in the second innings was nothing less than a disaster. Steve Smith & Co. fell like a pack of cards as the tourists were all out for a paltry 91 inside a session.
Allan Border slams Steve Smith:
Allan Border was not only miffed with Australia’s performance on the field but also their attitude in Nagpur. The legendary former batsman pointed out the incident where Steve Smith had surprisingly congratulated Ravindra Jadeja with a thumbs up after the spinner had beaten his outside edge.
The incident has not gone down well with Allan Border who criticised Australia’s friendly attitude and asked them to rediscover their ruthless streak.
“Play with a harder edge. I mean, we’re giving blokes the thumbs up when they’re beating us outside the off stump,” Allan Border was quoted as saying by Fox Sports.
“What the hell is going on? That is just ridiculous. Don’t go stupid but Australia play hard-nosed cricket. We’re even giving someone thumbs up who’s beaten you outside the off-stump, bloody hell,” he added.
The second Test is scheduled to be played in Delhi and will begin on February 17. Australia will be desperate to bounce back after the humiliating defeat in the series-opener.