India’s second innings against Australia began with a disappointing start as the side lost four wickets for only 78 runs after conceding an 88-run lead. After being bowled out on 109 runs in the first innings, the hosts steered a comeback for the hosts as Australia could only add 41 more runs in the morning session. Ravichandran Ashwin and Umesh Yadav made a comeback for the hosts even though Australia was at 156/4. During the lunch break, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, the Indian openers, remained unbeaten.
However, in the second session of the day, Gill, unfortunately, gave away his wicket inexpensively. While facing Nathan Lyon’s delivery from around the wicket, Gill stepped forward but failed to connect with the ball and was bowled out. He managed to score only 5 runs, facing 15 deliveries in the second innings.
Coincidentally, in this match, Gill returned to the Indian Test XI, taking the place of the underperforming opener KL Rahul. Gill scored 21 in the first innings, but his dismissal in the second innings attracted criticism from fans on social media.
Bhajji defends Gill despite the failure
Despite the backlash, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh defended Gill and claimed that the only approach to playing on such a pitch is to be aggressive and go for shots.
“See, the game plan is simple here. You can’t survive on this pitch with defence. Pujara was using his feet throughout his innings. If you’re thinking that you can wait out for a spell and score runs later, it won’t work. Even if you’re playing on 70-80 on this pitch, you can get out with just one odd delivery,”
Harbhajan said.
“You have to look out for the opportunity to score runs. You need to see where you can get a four. Shubman wanted to go for a six, and when you consider the pitch condition here. His approach was right because you can’t defend on this pitch for long.”
Harbhajan further said.
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