India are chasing the Aussies in the final of the World Test Championship. India struggled to find their rhythm as they lost four leading wickets including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli before the team score crossed 75 in the first innings.
Earlier, the Aussie batting line-up had piled up the runs by destroying the Indian bowling unit. Centuries from superstar Travis Head and Steve Smith helped the Aussies. Apart from them, the performances of batsman wicketkeeper Alex Carey and Warner also helped the Kangaroos.
Former England captain Nasser Hussain questioned why India had not included fast bowler Hardik Pandya in the Oval to support the pacers. He asked where is Pandya who can shine in bowling and batting.
It is certain that India had little idea about their side when they went to the morning toss. But the Aussies weren’t like that, it was crystal clear to them all. Cameron Greene had a lot to do. In the situation in England, it gives balance to the team. He is the kind of cricketer India would want to have someone like him with them.
Shardul Thakur is a very good seam bowling all rounder. As for India, they have Jadeja, Ashwin and Axar Patel. They are perfectly complete in Indian conditions. But what about seam bowling when playing overseas games? where are they Where is Hardik Pandya?,’ asked Nasser Hussain during a conversation with Ricky Ponting.
But Ponting made it clear that even after the back injury that overshadowed his career, Hardik had a vision for his Test future.
They asked about this even during the earlier commentary. “He (Hardik) has said earlier that his body does not allow him to go through the rigors of Test cricket,” Ponting said.
Ponting added that Pandya said it would be unfair to include him in the squad in front of a number of players who have performed at their best in the Test format and who have been key in the team’s success.
Meanwhile, India have already lost four wickets after batting in the first innings. Currently, after 31 overs, India continue to bat at 120 for four.
Content highlight: Nasser Hussain for Hardik Pandya
