In the last 5 years, Indian batting have collapsed against England, Australia and South Africa. (AP/Reuters)
As India endured another collapse with the bat in the Centurion Test, it reopened a few old wounds. The Indian Express takes a look at those…
36 vs Australia at Adelaide, 2020
This was an innings that made your jaws drop in disbelief. When Day 3 began, India had 62-run lead with nine wickets in hand. Given the attack they had, all that was needed was for India to set Australia a target of 240-260, which would have been challenging with the pink ball. Instead, in a blink-and-miss-play phase, where 15/2 became 16/6 in the space of 14 deliveries as Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins ransacked India. Not a single batsman touched double figures as India were dismissed for 36 with the last man Mohammed Shami retired out because of an injury.
109 all out vs Australia at Indore, 2023
Already 2-0 up in the series, with just a win needed India opted for another turner at Indore. For a side that has struggled against left-arm spinners in the past, this time it was the turn of Matthew Kuhnemann to make his imprint. From the moment he dismissed Rohit Sharma, the collapse started as India were bowled out for 109 on the opening day. Australia took a substantial lead, which proved to be a big difference in the end.
124 vs New Zealand at Christchurch, 2020
When the hosts folded for 235 in their first innings, India had a slender lead with plenty of time in the game to enforce a win. In conditions that usually tend to get better for batting as the game progresses, when the live grass flattens, India were blown away by Trent Boult and Tim Southee in the evening session of Day 2. New Zealand returned to complete the formalities on Day 3 as India lost an opportunity to level the series.
107 & 130 vs England at Lord’s, 2018
Where do we begin? About their decision to go with two spinners with dark clouds hovering around or the run-out of Cheteshwar Pujara seconds before it started to pour while going for a tight single? Batting first, they made only 107 before England responded with 396/7 declared. Murali Vijay collected a pair and rest didn’t prosper either as James Anderson and Stuart Broad derailed India. The Test ended on the fourth day, despite the entire opening day’s play lost due to rain.
112 vs Sri Lanka at Galle, 2015
Having watched Dinesh Chandimal launch a stunning counter-attack that pulled Sri Lanka out of trouble, India needed 176 to go 1-0 up in a series they were predicted to whitewash. Enter Rangana Herath, the left-arm spinner, who spun a web around India’s batting line-up that included KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and Wriddhiman Saha. Not once did they appear at home on a slow turning track as they lost the game by 63 runs.
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