NEW DELHI: Australian cricket legends Allan Border and Matthew Hayden expressed concerns about Australia’s handling of Virat Kohli during India’s 295-run win in the first Test in Perth. Kohli scored an unbeaten century in the second innings, his first Test hundred in 18 months.
Border voiced his disappointment regarding Australia’s approach to Kohli’s innings. “I was really disappointed in the way we let Kohli roll on to a hundred without much resistance,” Border said on SEN Radio.
Border-Gavaskar Trophy
He believed this could significantly impact the remaining matches. “We don’t want this guy full of confidence for the rest of the series,” Border added.
Border also questioned Pat Cummins’ captaincy, suggesting that the strategies employed allowed Kohli to regain his form after recent struggles against New Zealand. Hayden shared similar views, specifically pointing out flaws in Australia’s field placements.
“They missed a few tricks with Virat Kohli in the early part of his innings,” Hayden told Channel 7. “It was so easy for him to get off strike… when he got the bit between the teeth, it was too late.”
Hayden also criticized the delayed use of short-pitched bowling against Yashasvi Jaiswal, who initially appeared susceptible to this tactic.
“Maybe tiny things with Pat Cummins, the ability to think through these decisions,” Hayden remarked.
Hayden speculated that Australia’s poor first-innings batting performance may have contributed to their less effective tactics.
Both former players emphasized the need for improved planning to counter India’s batting lineup in the subsequent Tests. They cautioned that a confident Kohli could be a game-changer in the five-match series.
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