Deep Dasgupta feels that the ‘flat attitude’ of the Indian team during the first half an hour on Day 3 of the Gabba Test slowly crept into their batting as the top-order collapsed once again. India were left reeling at 22 for 3 when early lunch was called after Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli returned to the pavilion.
The Indian team looked a bit sluggish on the field as Alex Carey got to his fifty and went ahead with his bold knock as Australia got to 445 runs. The Indian innings was rocked early as Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed off the second ball of the innings. Gill tried an expansive drive and perished, while Kohli was dismissed once again with a delivery outside off.
AUS vs IND 3rd Test Day 3 Live Updates
Speaking to the broadcasters, Dasgupta said that it felt like the Indian batters were playing for their own. The former wicketkeeper also sympathised with the Indian middle-order as they are being forced to come out to bat within the first 10 overs.
“Let’s jog your mind to the first half an hour of the day. How falt were India on the field. I was a bit concerned back then and now it is kind of manifesting itself now. That attitude and that mindset has seeped into India’s batting innings. It’s not an individual one but a team sport. It seems like everyone is on their own right now.”
“At times, I also feel bad for the middle-order batters. Whether it is Virat, Rishabh Pant or Rohit Sharma. You can’t ask them to come and bat in that first 10 overs almost every innings in these testing conditions. There’s a reason why they’re middle-order batters. There are openers, there is a top 3. Their job in these conditions is to control your natural instincts. You will get chances to play those shots,” said Dasgupta.
Basics remain the same
Dasgupta went on to say that the Indian batters need to stick to the basics and give the respect to the new ball and see off the first 15-20 overs. The former wicket-keeper pointed out how Travis Head did well after being protected by the top order and wants the Indian top-order to do the same.
“A lot of things has changed in cricket, but the basics remain the same. New ball, you have to give it respect, play the conditions, see through the 1st 15-20 overs. That’s what Australia did. That’s why we saw the knock from Travis Head.”
“If you want our middle-order to bat like Travis Head, then give them the opportunity and platform. Apart from the 2nd innings in Perth, that middle order hasn’t got that opportunity,” said Dasgupta.
India were left at 29 for 3 before the third rain interruption of Day 3 stopped play.
