Just a few thoughts re Starc not regretting the money from IPL and the quotes on it if Rohit, Kohli could skip the IPL as they earn enough to be in a position to do so. Imo, don't think it would have made a difference, I don't think it would have made India change their XI.
Nor would it have made India play Ashwin over Umesh or Shardul. It wouldn't have made Shami bowl more full generally or team India attack Head differently. Many of us expected the result knowing where it is being played & India were always going in as underdogs, Australia favs
Because those conditions are what they are used to far more and they played no cricket coming into it. The conditions meant it was always going to be a challenge for India to adapt to and the players have been part of previous tours too.
AN is bowling one now. Delhi want Kane out. Samad has to help Kane out here. It is AN but you have to go for it, just pick the right ball.
Solid shot. That pull should mean they don't try it again soon, not at same pace. He was waiting for it, and he hit that in front of square. Good one, AS.
And he picks the slower one, good homework and good boundary. Good stuff.
I think the loss today was an accident waiting to happen. India had got enough warnings about it. CT 17 was the first one. India had to build a Plan B for their template. Their top order coming good was all cool but they had to ensure there was cover for the top order collapse.
What did India do? They played around with Pandya at 4, then had him back down to try Rayudu. Talked him up, backed him but the moment he had a string of low scores, backed out of him. India were being troubled by top order not coming good since AUS series, MS scored 3 50s..
It told you the team was still not prepared. Then you collapse vs NZ, Rayudu shines but he isn't backed and you have Shankar designated. That doesn't quite go well and you go back to a player who you termed was a backup opener. Rahul does okay before Dhawan gets injured.