Shahid Afridi backs India to bounce back after humiliating defeat in Adelaide

Team India’s humiliating defeat to Australia in the first match of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy has sent ripples through the cricket world. One of the strongest batting line-up in the world crumbled like a pack of cards as Australia thrashed the beleaguered visitors by eight wickets in the pink-ball Test to take the lead in the four-match series.

Unlike the first two days of the Test, the third day turned out to be a one-way traffic as Australia bowled India out for just 36, their lowest-ever score in Tests. India started the day on 9 for 1 and were bowled out in a matter of minutes as Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins blew them away. Mayank Agarwal’s 9 was the highest score by an Indian during the horrific collapse.

Cummins and Hazlewood displayed the highest quality of pace bowling to lay the foundation for Australia’s win. Hazlewood picked up 5 wickets for just 8 runs while Cummins took 4 wickets. Australia were set a target of just 90 and they chased it down without any fuss. Joe Burns regained his form and scored an unbeaten 51 to propel his team to an eight-wicket win.

Shahid Afridi’s reaction

India’s defeat has been drawing reactions from all the parts of the world and understandably so. Former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi also took to Twitter to react to the match. The veteran all-rounder was all praise for Hazlewood and Cummins’ bowling performance. Shahid Afridi also backed India to bounce back but insisted that it would be tough in Virat Kohli‘s absence.

“Brilliant display by Cummins and Hazelwood today, really enjoyed top-quality Test match fast bowling after long time. Indian batting is still capable of fighting back but it will be now tougher without Kohli,” Shahid Afridi tweeted.

Brilliant display by Cummins and Hazelwood today, really enjoyed top-quality Test match fast bowling after long time. Indian batting is still capable of fighting back but it will be now tougher without Kohli.

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) December 19, 2020

India will be without Kohli for the next three Tests since he will return home for the birth of his first child. In his absence, Ajinkya Rahane will take charge of the team. The second Test is scheduled to be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26.