Brad Haddin was stunned with the outstanding tactics of team India on day 5 of the SCG Test. The former wicket-keeper of Australia admired the team management and said that it was a masterstroke to send Rishabh Pant at number 5. The Indian team showed intent and surprised the Australians as Pant played fearlessly and was going after for the mammoth target of 407.
Brad Haddin Lauds Team India’s Fightback At SCG
Haddin didn’t believe that India had this kind of fight in them after the conclusion of day 4. However, the Indian team promoted Pant in the batting order and believed they could even win the match. Haddin added that Pant was brave as he moved the game forward and changed the plans of Aussie skipper Tim Paine.
While speaking on 1170 SEN Breakfast, Brad Haddin praised the comeback of team India after they batted 131 overs and registered a famous draw at SCG.
“If I am to be honest, I didn’t see this coming at all. The way India performed yesterday when they could have just shut up shop and played for a draw, but the Pant tactical move by Ajinkya Rahane I thought was outstanding”, said Haddin.
“If you have a closer look at it, he sent Pant out to try and move the game forward and Pant did exactly that. He played brave and he made Tim Paine make some decisions as captain on the last day which I thought tactically was really good,” added Haddin.
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Meanwhile, Haddin also pointed out that the Indian side only played for a draw after Rishabh Pant was dismissed. The likes of Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin defended everything in the last session and put a price on their wickets.
“Then Vihari came in, and he’s a very similar player to Pujara, they can just shut the game down and that’s exactly what he did”, concluded Brad Haddin.
Furthermore, Haddin was one of many experts that India will be blown away in the Test series after they were all out on 36 at Adelaide. However, this India team under Ajinkya Rahane has shown tremendous fortitude and determination as a result the series is still tied at 1-1.
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