Australia suffered back-to-back defeats at the hands of India in the first and the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar series. Australia lost the first Test in Nagpur by an innings and 132 runs and then followed it up with yet another drubbing by six wickets as both the matches ended within three days.
India, who are leading the four-match Test series 2-0, have retained the series while Australia have conceded the trophy for the fourth successive time. Only a miracle can help Australia to level the series 2-2 if they manage to win remained of the Test matches.
Amid Australia's lackluster show, the legendary pacer Brett Lee finds a glimmer of hope as has issued a stern warning to Rohit Sharma's brigade and want them to be wary of Australia's find of the series who could pose a big threat to Indian batters going ahead in the series.
Lee heaped praise on Australia's spin sensation Todd Murphy, who has impressed with his spin prowess so far in the series. Murphy made his debut in the first Test against India in Nagpur and snared a record seven wickets in India's first innings. However, his efforts went in vain as Australia went on to lose the match.
Lee deems Murphy as the true successor to Nathan Lyon.
“Who after Nathan Lyon? Well, it looks like they found their answer in the young 22-year-old superstar off-spinner Todd Murphy. What a sensational debut it was for Australia. Australia lost the match by a whopping margin but Todd Murphy made the world sit up and take notice,” said Lee.
Lee reminded India of Murphy's seven-fer in which he dismissed India's top batters - Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul.
“In the only innings that Australia bowled, he picked up 7/124. Five wickets were the wickets of KL Rahul, Ravi Ashwin, Pujara, Virat Kohli, and Ravi Jadeja. What a dream debut it was. He did so in the presence of his family all the way in Nagpur. I expect him to do better in abrasive conditions in India,” Lee added.
“There are a lot of tough series ahead of him. Let’s see if he’s got it or not. For the sake of Australian cricket, I really hope the Border-Gavaskar Trophy is the only first chapter of what will be an epic career. Watch out India!,” Lee concluded.
