Former India batting legend Sunil Gavaskar heaped praise on Indian all-rounder Axar Patel after his blistering innings saved India on Day 2 of the second Test against Australia. Gavaskar was pleased to see Axar's clever batting at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi after the spin all-rounder scored a brilliant half-century to remove the pressure and take India to just one run from the Australian target.
Speaking to Star Sports at Tea on Day 2, Gavaskar said both Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar are looking to move the strike regularly amongst them and not letting the scoreboard settle. "What they've shown with this partnership is that they're looking to score runs. The way Ashwin played that shot, he is pushing the ball nicely. So he is looking to move the strike along," said the former India skipper.
He also believes that Axar was positive and batted in a clever manner, adding that India has to reduce Australia's lead.
"Axar Patel has been very positive, understanding that the left-arm spinner's ball is turning against him, so if he connects it's going to go for a six. Clever batting from Axar Patel and that is what India will need after tea. It is important for India to reduce the lead. Australia will maybe end with some lead but India will be looking to keep it as low as possible," Gavaskar added.
With the home side reeling at 139 runs for the loss of seven wickets, the stabilisers Ashwin and Axar came in and took the game from the scruff of the neck to rescue the side in the second half of the day. The duo stitched together a partnership of 114 runs with Axar top-scoring for India at 74 runs in 115 balls, and Ashwin scoring 37 runs in 71 balls.
With Australia taking a one-run lead, Shreyas Iyer completed a stellar catch as Usman Khawaja (6) was sent back by Ravindra Jadeja (1/23).
