Michael Hussey Explains Reasons Behind India's Disastrous Collapse In Adelaide

Former Australia batsman Michael Hussey has weighed in on India’s horrific batting display against Australia in the first Test at the Adelaide Oval. In a humiliating display, the visitors were all out for just 36 in their second innings, their lowest-ever total in Tests. India’s previous lowest total was 42 which came against England in 1974.

The Virat Kohli-led side were on top when day three began as they had a 62-run lead thanks to taking a handy 53-run lead in the first innings. However, India’s batting just exploded in the second innings as they were all out for a paltry 36. Not a single batsman manage to touch the double digit mark with Mayank Agarwal’s 9 being the highest score.

Set a target of 90, Australia chased down the total in 21 overs while losing two wickets. Opener Joe Burns regained his form and led the charge by scoring an unbeaten 51 while adding 70 runs with Matthew Wade for the first wicket.

And as the cricketing world is still trying to come to terms with India’s disastrous display in the first Test, Michael Hussey has tried to explain the reason behind it. The batting legend pointed out that good footwork is the essence of batting on Australia’s challenging and bouncy surfaces and without it, it is certain the batting won’t click. He said not getting the foot forward seems to be an issue with most Indian batsmen and unless they rectify it, scoring runs in Australia can be extremely tough.

“Indian batsmen in general don’t like to get that big stride in forward, which sometimes you need to do on Australian pitches. They were sort of getting the half stride forwards. Virat Kohli is probably the exception; he is someone who is very confident with his footwork,” Michael Hussey said on ESPNCricinfo.

“But when the bowlers are getting the ball a lot fuller, and there is not a lot of footwork from the Indian batsmen, that’s where lies the opportunity to get a lot of nicks and that’s what happened,” he added.

Michael Hussey further spoke on what the batsmen need to do to get success on the Australian pitches. He stated that the key to score runs in Australia for the players is to give themselves time initially, get the feel of the wicket, the swing and the pace before going for the scoring shots.

“In Australian conditions, when the pitches are liveliest, your first 15-20 balls are the most difficult. Once you get through that, then you feel like you can start scoring some runs. But negotiating those first 15-20 balls can be very difficult and if your footwork is not quite right, you’re going to find yourself walking back,” Michael Hussey said.

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