NEW DELHI: Former Australian keeper-batter Brad Haddin praised Indian skipper Rohit Sharma for turning an almost unwinnable Test match against Bangladesh in Kanpur into a victory.
Haddin is optimistic that India can replicate such performances during the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia this November.
In the Kanpur Test, rain and a wet outfield forced no action for over two days after Bangladesh ended the first day at 107/3.When play resumed on day four, a draw seemed likely with just two days remaining.
Bangladesh were eventually dismissed for 233 in the first innings. India then scored 285/9 decl. quickly and managed to take two Bangladesh wickets late on the penultimate day. On the final day, India bowled out Bangladesh for 146 and then chased down 95 for an brisk win.
“I actually do (If India will play same cricket in Australia). Because if you look at this result… the worst result for India would have been a draw. There was no way India would have lost it. Rohit had nothing to lose. How good was it to watch! It’s a wonderful way to win Test cricket,” Haddin said on LisTNR podcast.
Haddin emphasized that Team India gave themselves a chance to win by playing a attacking brand of cricket.
“They gave themselves a chance to win the game. It was not about ‘How many runs I score’, it is about finding enough time to bowl Bangladesh out. They played a great brand of cricket, but it was all about giving them enough time. My hat goes off to support staff, Rohit Sharma… he has always been this sort of captain: Win first. I love the style of cricket,” said Haddin.
Haddin remarked that the team could have settled for a draw without any criticism.
“The mindset of Rohit Sharma to find a way to manipulate a result… teams are scared to go 10 runs/over in 20 overs cricket! So, I take my hats off to India,” he concluded.
The Border-Gavaskar series kicks off on November 22 with the first Test in Perth.
