VVS Laxman
VVS Laxman. Credit: PTI

Former India batsman, VVS Laxman believes that the batters should not be judged on just one bad session of batting.  Laxman says that while it is necessary to look into the mistakes done by the Indian batsmen on the third day of the Adelaide Test, however, we should not forget that India was ahead in the game by the end of day 2.

Australian pacers – Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, in particular – ran through the Indian batting line-up as the visitors succumbed to their lowest ever Test total- after taking a lead in the first innings.

“This freak occurrence should not define these players, who have played and performed enough times in all parts of the world. I am not saying dismiss what happened, but it’s imperative to put it in perspective. India had scrapped for six sessions to get their noses in front, only for a crazy 70-minute passage to undo the good work,” VVS Laxman wrote in his column for The Times of India.

Pat Cummins, India, Australia
Pat Cummins knocks over Mayank Agarwal [Photo-Twitter]

Great chance for new heroes to emerge: VVS Laxman

Since then the batting order has received a lot of flak – deservedly so – however, Laxman opines that it is time to look forward as three-fourth of the series is still left, and the team has a chance to make a comeback in the series by putting on better performance in the Boxing Day Test.

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India will be without the services of their skipper, Virat Kohli, and senior pacer, Mohammed Shami for the rest of the series- Kohli returns home on paternity leave and Shami suffered an arm fracture in Adelaide. The Hyderabad-born reckons that the team’s character and mental toughness will be tested in the next three Tests without two of their important players.

“Only a quarter of the Test series is over. With three matches to go, there is all to play for. This is a true test of the team’s character and mettle, more so with the captain and Mohammed Shami unavailable from here on,” he wrote.
Mohammed Shami
Mohammed Shami (R) alongside Virat Kohli. Credit: BCCI

However, at the same time, Laxman feels that it is a great opportunity for other players in the squad to step up. Ajinkya Rahane will lead the side in Kohli’s absence. One of the two young pacers – Mohammed Siraj and Navdeep Saini – will replace Shami. The 46-year-old suggests that it is time to put the horror of Adelaide behind and look forward.

“There is a great chance for new heroes to emerge, for men to put their hand up and rise to the occasion. It’s time to put Adelaide behind and target a fresh beginning,” VVS Laxman added.

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