2nd Test: Rohit Acknowledges Missed Chances That Led to Defeat After Pink-Ball Match
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Adelaide, Dec 8 (NationPress) Rohit Sharma, the captain of India, made a disappointing return to the Test arena following his absence during the victory in Perth, with the visitors experiencing a severe ten-wicket defeat against Australia within just three days of the day-night Test hosted at the Adelaide Oval.
After scoring three and six runs while batting at number six, Rohit was criticized for his cautious captaincy and questionable bowling changes. He acknowledged that India let slip several opportunities during the match, which ultimately led to their downfall.
“It was a disappointing week for us. We didn’t perform well enough to secure a win. Australia outplayed us. There were moments in the match where we could have seized those opportunities, but we didn’t, and that has cost us the game,” he stated during the post-match presentation.
“What we achieved in Perth was quite special, and we aimed to replicate that here. However, we are aware that each Test match presents its unique challenges. We expected difficulties with the pink ball. But as I mentioned, Australia was superior today,” he added.
With the five-match series now tied at 1-1, Rohit expressed eagerness for the upcoming Gabba Test, scheduled to commence on December 14. “There’s not much time to rest. We aim to recall what we did correctly in Perth and our previous experience there. We hold some fantastic memories from that venue. Recognizing the challenges of each Test match is key, so we intend to start strongly and perform well,” he remarked.
Australia captain Pat Cummins, who claimed 5-57 in the morning session on day three, was exhilarated by the decisive victory in Adelaide after suffering a loss in Perth by 295 runs. “This was a great week. We recognized that we were far from the team we aspired to be in Perth. This performance reflects how we want to play. The rhythm felt right this week. It was satisfying to take a few wickets,” he commented.
He also praised Mitchell Starc for his outstanding performance, achieving 6-48 on day one, stating, “There’s not much noise within the group, but Starc is incredible. He delivers time and again, and we consider ourselves fortunate to have him on our team.”
“Scotty (Boland) integrated seamlessly, as he always does, consistently probing every ball at the top of off. We hope Josh returns next week, but even in his absence, Scotty is phenomenal. Lyon will jump into the ice bath; he has had a demanding week,” Cummins continued.
He emphasized that the key to their commanding ten-wicket win was securing a 152-run lead and commended Travis Head for taking the match beyond India’s reach with his remarkable score of 140.
“He thrives while batting here. The game could have swung in either direction when Head came to bat, but he shifted the momentum decisively. The significant aspect was establishing a substantial lead. It was also an apt time to bowl, as the ball tends to move more under lights, but the primary factor was securing that significant advantage,” concluded Cummins.
