BGT 2024-25: Harbhajan and Hayden Identify India's Partnership Issues Following Adelaide Setback
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Adelaide, Dec 9 (NationPress) The former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh and experienced Australian batter Matthew Hayden have emphasized that the Rohit Sharma-led squad's failure to establish 'significant partnerships' contributed to their 10-wicket defeat in the second Test held at Adelaide Oval.
The Indian batting lineup struggled against Mitchell Starc and captain Pat Cummins, with the pair claiming 15 wickets collectively to equalize the five-Test series at 1-1.
In the opening Test of the series in Perth, Yashasvi Jaiswal (161) and Virat Kohli (100 not out) both scored centuries in the second innings, while KL Rahul contributed a resilient 77, leading India to a commanding 295-run victory in the absence of their regular captain Rohit Sharma.
However, the dynamics shifted in favor of Australia during the second Test, as the Indian batters struggled against the attack from Starc and Cummins, resulting in the visitors being bowled out for 180 and 175 at Adelaide Oval.
“One area where India needs to improve is in building partnerships. We must create big partnerships. We did not establish any good partnerships in Adelaide, which left us without enough runs on the board. If we had posted 300-350 runs, our bowlers could have successfully dismissed them,” Harbhajan stated on Star Sports.
Hayden also criticized India's batting display in the pink-ball Test, urging for an improved performance in Brisbane.
“Team India simply did not bat adequately, there’s no question about it. Although this pitch was challenging, they should not have been dismissed in less than a day and a half. This issue needs to be addressed ahead of the Brisbane Test match,” Hayden remarked.
Nonetheless, the former Australian batter praised India's bowling led by speedsters Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, despite Travis Head's impressive 140-run innings that set the match's tone for the hosts.
“I thought the bowling was generally quite good. Considering the remarkable innings that Travis Head played, scoring 140 off 141 balls was extraordinary. Sometimes, batsmen just take charge,” Hayden added.
The third Test between India and Australia is scheduled to take place in Brisbane starting December 14.
