'Could've gone for draw, no one would've said a thing': Ex-Australia star fears India may repeat Kanpur heroics in BGT
Brad Haddin was all praise for Rohit Sharma and the Indian team management for forcing a result in the Kanpur Test.
Team India produced a scintillating batting performance in the second Test in Kanpur against Bangladesh, registering a seven-wicket win in a game that seemed to end in a draw after two successive washouts on Day 2 and 3. With only 35 overs of play across the first three days, there were little hopes of a result but India's batting approach turned the tide in the home team's favour, as the side smashed 285/9d in just 34.4 overs, gaining an important 52-run lead.
India, then, bowled Bangladesh out for a meagre total of 146 to eventually clinch a dominant win in the match. The side's approach, and the team management's decision to force a result despite the limited amount of time left, earned laurels from fans and experts alike. Former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Brad Haddin was also left impressed by India's brilliant performance, and doffed his hat to Rohit Sharma and co.
“They gave themselves a chance to win the game. It wasn't about how many runs I score, it's about finding enough time to bowl Bangladesh out. They played a great brand of cricket, but it was all about giving them enough time. My hat goes off to support staff, Rohit Sharma... he has always been this sort of captain: Win first,” said Haddin on the LiSTNR podcast.
“I love the style of cricket. They could've had a net session, gone for a draw, no one would have said a thing. The mindset of Rohit Sharma to find a way to manipulate a result... teams are scared to go 10 runs/over in 20 overs cricket! So, I take my hats off to India.”
Can repeat such heroics in Australia
{{/usCountry}}“I love the style of cricket. They could've had a net session, gone for a draw, no one would have said a thing. The mindset of Rohit Sharma to find a way to manipulate a result... teams are scared to go 10 runs/over in 20 overs cricket! So, I take my hats off to India.”
Can repeat such heroics in Australia
{{/usCountry}}The interviewer asked Haddin if India could produce a similar performance if the same situation arrives during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under later this year. The Aussie former player didn't count out Rohit Sharma's men from repeating such heroics.
{{/usCountry}}The interviewer asked Haddin if India could produce a similar performance if the same situation arrives during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under later this year. The Aussie former player didn't count out Rohit Sharma's men from repeating such heroics.
{{/usCountry}}“I actually do. Because if you look at this result... the worst result for India would've been a draw. There was no way India would've lost it. Rohit had nothing to lose. How good was it to watch! It's a wonderful way to win Test cricket,” said Haddin.
{{/usCountry}}“I actually do. Because if you look at this result... the worst result for India would've been a draw. There was no way India would've lost it. Rohit had nothing to lose. How good was it to watch! It's a wonderful way to win Test cricket,” said Haddin.
{{/usCountry}}India will be aiming to clinch a hat-trick of Test series wins in Australia; the side won the last two series Down Under 2-1.
