India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni pointed out that it was the "flop" show of his batsmen in both innings that lead to a comprehensive 122-run defeat at the hands of Australia, in the first cricket Test, here today.
"Our batting flopped in both the innings. We have to show more consistency," Dhoni told the reporters at the post-match media conference. India could manage only 282 and 169 in the two innings.
"We had a decent start in the first innings. We needed to capitalize on it. When the day began, if we could have got them down to 240-250 runs, it was gettable. Even 292, we should have achieved as the wicket was good. There wasn't much wear and tear on the surface," a disappointed captain remarked.
"In the first innings, we had a good stand going and their bowlers were also a bit tired. So if we could have seen off another 20 overs with the new ball, it would have become easy to score runs. Once a bowler gets tired, he can't bowl with the same pace and consistency."
To discerners, Sachin Tendulkar's dismissal on the second evening when he was on 73, was the decisive moment of the game.
{{/usCountry}}To discerners, Sachin Tendulkar's dismissal on the second evening when he was on 73, was the decisive moment of the game.
{{/usCountry}}"Towards the close of play, everyone wants to be at the non-striker’s end. It happens to everyone. That's why you have the concept of a nightwatchman in cricket. But if a bowler bowls a gem of a delivery to get you out, you just have got to accept it."