Shoaib Akhtar is all praises for team India after they turned things around at MCG and registered a historic win. The former Pakistan fast bowler lauded the character of Ajinkya Rahane and co. as they convincingly won the second Test. Things were supposed to get tougher for India in the absence of skipper Virat Kohli.
However, the Indian team showcased great fighting spirit in the second Test and completely outplayed Australia. Akhtar pointed out that it was due to the quality of bench strength of India they performed at MCG. Akhtar spoke about that it is never easy to make a come back after getting hammered in Australia.
Shoaib Akhtar wants India to win the Test series
Speaking to Boria Majumdar on Sports Today, Akhtar was in awe of the attitude shown by India under the calm leadership of Rahane. The popular former cricketer complimented the youngsters and the team management who exhibited character and came back strongly in the series.
“I watched the game, one fine morning, I woke up and I saw India was getting hammered by Australia. I thought it was 369 and not 36 for 9. But it was 36 for 9. But you know, characters are exhibited in crisis. The exhibition of character from the Indian team is tremendous. I think this guy is so quiet and so calm. Ajinkya Rahane doesn’t shout or do nasty things on the field, he just stays quiet and does his thing which is cool captaincy. Under his leadership, the guys suddenly performed”.
“Whatever you say about Ravi Shastri, Ajinkya Rahane and the team, India’s strength is not people who are playing on the field, it’s the bench strength. They seized the opportunity and went out there and performed. Getting hammered in one Test and then coming back and winning the next Test comprehensively shows the character of the team and the management. And at the same time, people are out there to win the Test match”, Akhtar stated.
Also Read: Heartening To See Australian Legends Praising Ajinkya Rahane – Sunil Gavaskar
Meanwhile, Shoaib Akhtar further added that it was a complete team performance by team India in the boxing day Test. He wants India to continue this winning momentum and also backed them to again win the Test series in Australia.
“Who would have thought 10-15 years ago that Australia would get hammered by India or Pakistan or some other subcontinent team? Now it’s happening. Now, I want to see this series full of clashes. I want India to win the series because they have made a great comeback. And they have shown a lot of character and great courage. Ajinkya Rahane hundred is just the turnaround,” Akhtar signed off.
Furthermore, the third Test match between India and Australia will be played at Sydney from January 7.
Also Read: AUS vs IND 2020: Here Is How India Can Reclaim Top Spot In ICC Test Rankings
