3rd Test: Gavaskar Critiques Jaiswal's Dismissal by Starc
Click to start listening
Brisbane, Dec 16 (NationPress) The iconic Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar voiced his discontent regarding Yashasvi Jaiswal's dismissal by Mitchell Starc on the third day of the third Test at the Gabba, remarking that the shot was not what one would anticipate from an opener.
With Australia having scored 445 runs in their first innings, expectations were high for both Jaiswal and KL Rahul to provide India with a solid start. However, Jaiswal's attempt to flick the ball resulted in a simple catch to Mitchell Marsh at square leg, leaving him out for just four runs on the second delivery of the innings.
"It’s not the best of shots. When facing a total of 445 runs, it’s crucial to settle in. It wasn’t even a half-volley, yet he attempted to flick it away, leading to an easy catch. Excellent field placement and smart captaincy by Pat Cummins played a significant role here.
"That’s not the standard of shot expected from an opening batsman, especially when the opposition has set a target of 445. Your task in that one hour was to remain at the crease. It’s very disappointing from Jaiswal," Gavaskar commented on ABC Sport.
This marked the third occasion in the current series that Starc has sent Jaiswal back to the pavilion. "While being positive is essential, one must also be realistic. In the opening over, aiming for 25 runs is impractical,” Gavaskar added.
"It wasn’t even a half-volley. If it had been, I could understand a mishit. But it was a length ball, and there was no way he could keep it down," he elaborated.
Prior to India's innings, Jaiswal was observed taking throwdowns in the outfield, where he struck a powerful drive towards the Australian players’ huddle, accidentally hitting a Cricket Australia videographer on the back of his left foot. Jaiswal swiftly apologized for the incident.
"Just five minutes before Jaiswal's dismissal, he practiced a wonderful whip through mid-wicket, showcasing excellent balance. Yet, during the match, he attempted the same shot and went aerial instead, which was likely due to game pressure. In practice, it looked flawless," remarked former England captain Michael Vaughan on Fox Sports.
To this, former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri responded, "Could you imagine the catch being there? The player was positioned just in front of square, with ample space on the on-side, yet Jaiswal directed it straight to the fielder."
