Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly stated that India bats and bowls better than any opposition on turning pitches. Team India has always been a force to reckon with in their own conditions and they are once again showing why they are so difficult to beat at home. India bested Australia by six wickets in the second Test match at Delhi to take an impregnable lead of 2-0 in the series.
Australia was skittled out for a paltry score of 113 runs in the second innings as Ravindra Jadeja returned with career-best figures of 7-42. Moreover, Ravichandran Ashwin took three wickets as the veteran spin duo breathed down the neck of the opposition batters.
On the other hand, India was struggling at 139-7 in the first innings when Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin added 114 runs for the eighth wicket to help their team post 262 runs on the board. Ergo, India was able to bounce back in the game as at one stage it looked like they might concede a lead of 80 runs.
Patel went on score 74 runs whereas Ashwin added 37 runs and thus India was able to come up with a collective effort on a difficult pitch. In fact, Australia was slightly ahead in the game at the end of the second day’s play after they were 61-1 but India bounced back in style on the third day’s morning session, taking nine wickets for only 52 runs.
“Not surprised by India’s 2nd test win .. congratulations to Indian team ..on turning pitches they bat and bowl better than any opposition at any stage of the game ..@bcci,” tweeted Ganguly.
On the other hand, Ganguly also congratulated Saurashtra for winning the Ranji Trophy after they defeated Bengal by nine wickets in the final whereas he also hailed Bengal for their consistent performances.
“Congratulations to Saurashtra for winning the Ranji trophy .. congratulations to Bengal for finishing runners up .. 2 finals in 3 yrs is a super effort. The trophy will be coming soon @CabCricket @BCCI,” tweeted Ganguly.
The third Test match between India and Australia will be played at the Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore from March 1.
