Pune: India had a forgettable day when they were bundled out for 105 in 40.1 overs and later dropped a few catches in the field including two costly drops of Australian skipper Steve Smith who is still batting on 59. Team India coach Anil Kumble admitted that the dropped catches hurt them and there were a couple of loose shots played but played down it as an one-off day.
“It was disappointing. We were in a decent position when Rahul and Rahane were batting. We lost four wickets in 8 balls which pushed us back. We were bound to have one bad day after performing so well and it was one of those days.
“Things happened quickly. We played a couple of loose shots. This pitch was challenging and it needed restraint. It needed mix of caution and aggression and they needed to put their head down. There is still cricket left and we will try to restrict them and take early wickets and put them under pressure,” Kumble said in the post match press conference.
Kumble, though, admitted India didn’t adapt to turning dry pitch well. “The surface was challenging but we didn’t adapt well. First we conceded 82 runs in first session (on Day 1) and gave 50 runs odd to last wicket that put us behind from where we wanted them to restrict. Virat and Pujara got out cheaply, Vijay also. Rahul and Rahane consolidated, lower order has done so well for us but today they couldn’t,” he rued.
The former leg-spinner praised Steve O’Keefe for bowling in good areas. “O’Keefe was steady he bowled constantly in good areas, we had a couple of soft dismissals also. (Ravindra) Jadeja also was bowling well but he was unlucky. One of those things he (O’Keefe) pitched and got results,” he said.
KL Rahul was playing superbly and had got away with a few risky shots. But he threw away his wicket on 64 and injured his left shoulder for the second time in the process of playing big shot and opened up the floodgates. He didn’t turn up to field as Abhinav Mukund was fielding in his place and spilled a couple of catches.
“Rahul’s shoulder is fine. We had taken precaution and he was back on the field in last two overs. He should be fine tomorrow. That shot created injury not only for him but also for the team,” Kumble quipped.
