‘Well, this is worse than 46 all-out’ – Ian Smith criticizes Indian batters after Pune Test collapse

‘Well, this is worse than 46 all-out’ – Ian Smith criticizes Indian batters after Pune Test collapse. (Source – Getty Images)

When India had brought up their 50 on Day 2 of the second Test against New Zealand at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, there was a wave of optimism as to how the two batters in the middle would continue their endeavours. However, 50/1 soon became 156 all-out as barring three thirties, one each from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Ravindra Jadeja, there was not a lot to show for the hosts. The wave suddenly died down to a mere trickle, with the crowd finding it hard to fathom the flow of events which had transpired.

It was when Sarfaraz Khan got dismissed in a soft manner when former New Zealand cricketer, Ian Smith, went on a passionate rant while commentating. He alleged India to not trying to adapt to conditions and drew parallels to their Bengaluru disintegration in the first innings of the first Test, ranking their current performance even lower to the one in the Chinnaswamy encounter.

“Well, this is worse than 46 all-out if you ask me. This is some poor batting and shot selection. I can understand the first Test, but instead of playing themselves in, batting for time, India for some reason, are going after the bowling. They think they can just bash this New Zealand bowling line-up. This is only Day 2 of the Test match. There is ample time to go but the way India are playing, none of them are going to be here that long,” noted Smith on air with Sports18.

Also Read: Modern Indian batters playing spin better than anyone else is a misconception: Simon Doull

Nobody expected India to lose six wickets in a session: Kumble

Former India cricketer, Anil Kumble, agreed with Smith on his take. He also added that the manner in which India were looking to play cross-batted shots was not the approach that the track in Pune called for.

“On this kind of a surface, you needed a bit of time. We did speak about the importance of getting through those 15-20 balls and it can be done if you are looking to play straight. Yes, the wicket is turning and is also keeping straight, but nobody expected India to lose six wickets in this session,” observed Kumble.

Also Read: IND vs NZ 2024: Mitchell Santner’s seven-fer questions India’s preparation for home conditions

Mitchell Santner’s seven-for was his best bowling figures in an innings in Tests. He also became only the fifth bowler to take a five-wicket haul against India, in India.

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