The Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane is proud of his team after they defeated Australia by eight wickets in the Boxing day Test match to level the series 1-1. Rahane gave credit to all the players and gave a special mention to debutants – Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj. Gill scored an attacking knock of 45 runs in the first innings and then scored an unbeaten 35 off just 36 balls to help the team get over the line.
On the other hand, Mohammed Siraj also made an impressive debut as he scalped two wickets for 40 runs in the first innings, which included the crucial wicket of Marnus Labuschagne. Subsequently, Siraj snared three more wickets in the second dig for 37 runs. Thus, the 26-year old from Hyderabad took five wickets for 77 runs.
Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane also deserves a lot of credit for leading the team from the front. Rahane was guile in his field placements and bowling changes and led with aplomb. Furthermore, Rahane scored a match-winning century in the first innings to help his team put their noses in front. Consequently, Rahane was awarded the Player of the match.
Rahane gave credit to the collective team effort and lauded the first-class structure for getting the best out of Gill and Siraj.
Ajinkya Rahane said in the post-match presentation, “Really proud of all the players. Played really well. Want to give credit to the debutants Siraj and Gill, the character they showed after the Adelaide loss was great to see. Character was important for us, especially after losing Umesh in the second innings. That (five-bowler plan) worked well for us nicely. We were thinking of having an all-rounder and Jadeja has been brilliant for us. Shubman, we all know his First-class career and in this game, he has shown the intent to play shots at this level. Has shown composure. Siraj has shown that he can bowl with discipline. It’s really difficult for debutants to bowl with discipline but that’s where I think the First-class experience comes in handy”.
It was a fine comeback from the Indian team after they were obliterated in the second innings at Adelaide. India has the momentum on their side and this win will give a lot of confidence to the team. Ajinkya Rahane was brilliant as a leader and everybody played their roles to perfection.
The third Test match will take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 7 but there are doubts over the venue due to Covid-19 outbreak.
