Australia vs India: Shoaib Akhtar Explains The Reason Behind India's Loss In Adelaide

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar explained the possible reasons behind Team India’s loss at the hands of Australia in the first Test of the ongoing four-match series. The visitors lost the series-opener by eight wickets after suffering an inexplicable collapse in the second innings. In one of the most humiliating displays by Team India, they were all out for just 36, their lowest total in Tests.

Prior to that, India were all on top of the proceedings. After scoring 244 in the first innings, the Virat Kohli-led side bowled out the hosts for a paltry 191 to take a 53-run lead. But from thereon, nothing went right for them as Australia came up with a stunning display with the ball to register an unexpected victory.

For the hosts, their pace duo of Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins made the difference with the ball. Hazlewood picked up 5 wickets for just 8 runs while Cummins accounted for four wickets while giving away 21 runs.

Speaking about the game, Shoaib Akhtar has reckoned that Australia’s bowling was not the reason behind the win in Adelaide. The former cricketer said that while Australia’s batting unit is weakest since the time he remembers, their bowling is good but that was not responsible for India’s defeat in the series opener. He opined that the pink-ball was the reason behind India’s loss.

“I am not saying this with any bias. But this is the weakest batting unit that I have come across in Australia. This is the most fragile, most weak. Even if you remove Smith and look at that middle order, it is the weakest batting line-up that I have come across. Their bowling is good but if you ask me why India lost the first Test match, it’s because of the pink-ball,” Shoaib Akhtar told on Sports Today.

Meanwhile, India bounced back in style after the humiliating defeat in Adelaide and won the the second Test by  eight wickets at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.  The third Test match of the series will be played in Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) from January 7.

Also Read: To Beat Australia In The Boxing Day Test In Australia Is A Great Achievement: Chris Gayle Lauds Team India

Also Read: They’re 17-18 On Paper But Are Actually 27-28 Years Old: Mohammad Asif Levels Age-Fraud Allegation On Pakistan Pacers