Virat Kohli’s expression in the post-match press conference told the entire story of how shell-shocked the Indian team were feeling. In the three-minute exchange, he mentioned the words ‘cant express those feelings into words’ twice. Heading into day 3, the Indian cricket team had a lead of over 60 and was looking to put the game beyond Australia. However, a sensational collapse of five wickets for four runs saw the unfolding of a nightmare. Josh Hazlewood took 5/8 and Pat Cummins chipped in with four wickets, including that of Virat Kohli for 4 as India were bowled out for 36, their lowest-ever total in Test cricket which beat their previous mark of 42 against England in Lord’s in 1974.
India’s woeful performance saw them throw away the advantage as Australia chased down 90 in grand style to win the match by eight wickets and take a 1-0 lead in the series. In the post-match presentation, Virat Kohli expressed his hurt and shock at the performance. “It's very hard to put those feeling into words. We had a lead of 60-odd when we arrived. And then just collapsed. Played two days of good cricket to get in a position and then just lose it in an hour. Really hurts. Probably didn't have enough intent in the batting today. It's something that needs to be reflected and learnt from,” Virat Kohli said.
Did the conditions change dramatically as the Test match progressed? In the first innings, India dug in and managed to put up the highest score of the match with some solid contributions from Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli who scored his 23rd fifty. However, Virat Kohli said the lack of similar intent when they were ahead hurt them big time.
“Bowlers bowled similar kind of areas in the first innings as well, but then our mindset was to get runs. There were some good balls. But I don't think it did anything drastic. Just the atmosphere was created where runs were difficult to come by. I think it was a combination of both - lack of intent, and bowlers bowling in good areas,” Virat Kohli said.
Absence of Kohli big void
With India missing the services of Virat Kohli for the remainder of the Test series as he will be on paternal leave for the birth of his first child, the Indian cricket team faces an uphill task to make a comeback in the Test series. The second Test is a week away at the Melbourne Cricket Ground where Australia will be aiming to capitalise on the momentum from the big win in Adelaide.
With Ajinkya Rahane now taking control, Virat Kohli said that he is confident that the team will bounce back under the new leadership. “Obviously you want to be committed to the team's cause. Confident the boys going forward will reflect on this and come up with a better result on Boxing Day,” Virat Kohli said.
With this result, Australia have maintained their 100 percent record of winning the Day Night Test while for India, this is their first loss in the Pink Ball Test.
