'Nobody can say we played an inferior Australia side' - Ravi Shastri

From getting battered at the hands of Australia in Mumbai ODI to ending the series on a good note, it has been a stark turnaround for the Indian cricket team. Many people in the cricket ecosystem had written the Men in Blue off after a humiliating loss against Australia in the opening match but Virat Kohli & Co channelised their aggression in the right way and ensured to get the job done at home.

When two sides locked horns with each other in the previous meeting just ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019, India won the first two ODIs and Australia surprised many by winning three games in a row to win the series. But now, the drama was the other way around, Aaron Finch-led team won the first game and India asserted their dominance at home once again and won the next two games.

Ravi Shastri pleased with India’s performance against Australia

India’s head coach Ravi Shastri was absolutely pleased with the team’s collective rhythm that got clicked pretty well in the last two games against the touring party. Shastri also stated that Indian players showed great zeal for success after a painful defeat in Mumbai. Now that India have shown great intent against Australia, India head coach said that nobody can utter a statement adding that India played an inferior Aussie team.

“This team, the boys showed great character. Nobody can say we played an inferior Australia side. They got a thrashing in Mumbai, and then to win two games, with all the travel, and with Australia winning all three tosses,” India coach Shastri said after India’s seven-wicket win in the ODI decider at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.

After losing KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli held their nerves and added a vital 137-run partnership for the second wicket before Rohit Sharma got out on a sensational 119. He was named the man of the match for his knock under pressure.

Virat Kohli who scored 89 in the match was named the man of the series for his overall tally of 183 in three games. “Once they got off to a start, they (Rohit-Virat) realised they are up against a team that is always looking for wickets. So the way both batted with a lot of responsibility,” Shastri said.

Shreyas Iyer upped his ante as soon as he came out to bat at No.4. He scored 44 off 35 and helped India chase the target with 15 balls remaining. He also earned praises from his coach for his performance. “The way Shreyas finished will do him a world of good,” Ravi Shastri concluded.

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