Former Coach Highlights Psychological Boost from Gritty Lower-Order Fightback Ahead of Crucial Boxing Day Test
Melbourne [Australia], December 21: Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri has defended Team India’s performance in the drawn third Test against Australia in Brisbane, emphasizing that avoiding the follow-on was a moment worth celebrating and a significant psychological boost ahead of the much-anticipated Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) starting on December 26.
Despite being on the back foot after conceding 445 runs in the first innings, India, who were struggling at 51/4, clawed their way back thanks to resilient half-centuries from KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja. A determined 47-run partnership between Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep for the final wicket pushed India to 260/10, narrowly avoiding the follow-on.
A Defining Moment in the Series
Reflecting on the performance during an interview on The ICC Review, Shastri praised the tail-enders’ fighting spirit.
“You should celebrate,” Shastri said. “That effort from the last pair was about character and resilience. It was a defining moment in the context of the series.”
He added that avoiding the follow-on not only prevented further pressure on the Indian batting order but also allowed the team to rattle the Australian top order when play resumed.
Historical Comparisons
Shastri likened this moment to the iconic 89-run partnership between Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami at Lord’s in 2021, where India turned the game around and secured a famous victory.
“That partnership at Lord’s was game-changing. England were favorites on the final day, but Bumrah and Shami’s fightback completely flipped the match,” Shastri recalled.
The Stubborn Resilience of India’s Tail-Enders
According to Shastri, India’s tail-enders have been crucial in defining moments of recent Test successes. Whether it was Bumrah and Shami’s heroics at Lord’s or Ashwin and Hanuma Vihari’s defiance in Sydney, these moments highlight the team’s tenacity.
“When the tail fights back, it changes the entire dynamic of a match. It lifts the team and gives them a psychological edge,” Shastri remarked.
Momentum Ahead of the Boxing Day Test
With the series now tied at 1-1, Shastri believes the team is in a strong position heading into Melbourne. He noted that while Jasprit Bumrah has been the backbone of India’s fight so far, the return of key players to form could create problems for Australia.
“If the big guns step up in Melbourne, Australia will have a real challenge on their hands. India is in a strong mindset and can approach the Boxing Day Test aggressively,” Shastri asserted.
India’s Road Ahead in the Series
Shastri emphasized the significance of the drawn Test in Brisbane in setting the stage for the remainder of the series.
“At 1-1, India is right where they need to be. Come Melbourne and Sydney, I believe India will be the stronger side,” he said.
India now looks forward to the Boxing Day Test with renewed confidence and a fighting spirit, ready to take on Australia in what promises to be a thrilling contest at the MCG.
