I Feel That The Turning Point Was How We Batted On Day 3 Of The WTC Final: Sanjay Bangar

Former Indian all-rounder Sanjay Bangar has opened up on the point where Virat Kohli’s men fell behind in the ICC World Test Championship final against New Zealand in Southampton. New Zealand emerged as the inaugural World Test Champions as they defeated India by eight wickets. Sanjay Bangar believes that India’s batting performance on day three was where the game turned.

While day one resulted in a complete washout due to persistent rains, India finished day two strongly at 146-3 after losing the toss. Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane were still at the crease, with the former approaching a half-century. But Kyle Jamieson dismissed Kohli within the first hour the following day. India were eventually bowled out for 217 as Jamieson claimed five wickets.

Sanjay Bangar stated that how India batted on day three turned the match in favour of New Zealand as Virat Kohli’s men squandered the advantage. But the 48-year old hailed Kyle Jamieson for bowling exceptionally well.

“I feel that the turning point was how we batted on Day 3 of the Test match. We were in a great position on Day one after being asked to bat. Credit to the New Zealand bowlers especially Kyle Jamieson who bowled really well,” Bangar told Cricket.com.

From 145 for 3 and when the ball was old, getting bowled out for 215 was crucial: Sanjay Bangar

Sanjay Bangar further credited New Zealand bowlers by stating that India would have liked 275 from the position they were in. The former Indian batting coach believes that India getting bowled out for 217 from 146-3 even as the ball was getting old, was critical.

“They put up a plan and created a lot of pressure. If the Indian batting unit has to look back they will say that for sixty overs in the first innings they played well but at least 275 was required. From 145 for 3 and when the ball was old, getting bowled out for 215 was crucial,” he added.

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