Australia's massive loss to India by an innings and 132 runs in Nagpur Test has raised many questions. Meanwhile, Steve Smith who applied himself better than anyone in the Test is on the receiving end of criticism from Australian legend Allan Border. It was not his technique but the gesture after getting beaten by Ravindra Jadeja on Day 3 that drew the ire of Border.
“Play with a harder edge. I mean, we’re giving blokes the thumbs up when they’re beating us outside the off stump,” Border said on Fox Cricket.
“What the hell is going on? That is just ridiculous. Don’t go stupid, but Australia play hard nose cricket. We’re even giving someone thumbs up … bloody hell,” he added.
After getting bundled out for 91 on a pitch that favoured spinners but not as unplayable as portrayed by Australian media, Border feels that the Kangaroos need to rework their strategy in order to make comeback in the series.
“There’s so many scars there now, it’s going to be a tough few days. You can talk the talk, but ultimately the boys with the bat in hand and ball in hand have got to do the job,” Border said.
“It’s going to be hard to find a way, but they’ve just got to do it. A big, soul-searching dressing room drink-a-thon tonight, just to try to thrash something out. That’s as bad as we can play, there’s only one way to go from here,” the 67-year-old added.
However, this was not the first time Smith has appreciated the bowler for beating him. On his last trip to India, he made a similar gesture after getting outfoxed by the Indian bowler.
Smith scored 37 runs in the first innings before his resistance was ended by Jadeja's arm ball. In the second innings, he was the top-scorer for Australia and remained not out for 25. Smith got bowled in the second innings as well by Jadeja but it turned out to be a no ball.
Australia will now take on India in the second Test at Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi starting February 17.
