Congratulations to Australia on conquering Mars: Russel Arnold

Winning a Test match in India is one of the toughest challenges for any visiting team as India are invincible in home. They have been thoroughly dominating in their long home season but their long unbeaten streak of 19 matches eventually came to an end yesterday when they suffered a humiliating loss at the hands of Australia by 333 runs.

It also meant Australia won a Test in India for the first time since 2004. It was undoubtedly a big achievement from the young Australian side who have struggled in subcontinental conditions big time prior to the Test series in India.

Following their comprehensive win, former Sri Lankan all-rounder Russel Arnold took to his twitter handle and congratulated Australia on their win but on a sarcastic way. He wrote, “Congratulations @CricketAus on conquering Mars!!!!. Conquering Mars is a pretty tough prospect and winning in India too is not an easy thing to achieve. It was an exceptional performance by the visitors who outplayed the mighty Indians in all three departments of the game.

Congratulations @CricketAus on conquering Mars !!!!

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) February 26, 2017

After scoring 260 in their 1st essay, Australia bundled out India for a paltry score of 105 in their 1st innings. Left-arm spinner Steve O’Keefe wrecked havoc as he finished with exceptional figures of 6/35. Mitchell Starc was the one who started India’ collapse with prized wickets of Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli.

Also read: India will definitely come back in the series: Sourav Ganguly

With a huge lead of 155 runs, captain Steve Smith scored a magnificent century which propelled the visitors to a score of 285 in their 2nd essay, thus setting India an improbable victory target of 441 runs. For yet another time, Steve O’Keefe was the wrecker in chief and finished with identical figures in the 2nd innings too.

Nathan Lyon supported him very well and wiped out the Indian tail with 4 wickets. O’Keefe’s match figures of 12/70 are the best by an overseas spinner in Indian conditions which will surely bolster his confidence going into the 2nd Test in Bengaluru.