Legendary Indian cricketer, Sachin Tendulkar has played against some of the finest Australian teams during his illustrious career, but according to him the current Australian batting line-up is “less settled” with some “playing for their spots”. Following India’s incredible turnaround in the second Test at Melbourne after the Adelaide debacle, Tendulkar spoke to PTI about Australian batsmanship, the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane, the performance of debutants Mohammed Siraj and Shubman Gill.

Sachin explained, “When I look at this Australian batting line-up and look at some of the earlier line-ups, I feel earlier line-ups were settled ones. Those players batted with a different kind of intent but this team doesn’t look very settled.”

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In three completed Australian innings in the first two Tests, the Indian bowlers bundled them out for 191, 195, and 200 respectively, which wasn’t an unusual thing when players like Allan Border, Mark Taylor, the Waugh brothers used to play. One of the highlights of the series so far has been Ravichandran Ashwin’s duels with Steve Smith and Tendulkar explained why the veteran spinner enjoyed an upper hand. Tendulkar then explained how Ashwin gets the ball to turn and bounce.

Sachin Tendulkar said, “In the second Test, it was not a slider but fingers were on top of the ball which produced bounce and turn. Steve Smith played a normal flick to a regulation off-break that any batsman does by instinct and fielder was brilliantly placed there. It was a well-planned ball and wicket by Ashwin. Both are class players, so someone is going to have a better day and so far, Ashwin has come out a winner in the first two Tests.”

Sachin reckons that Rahane’s knock of 112 was a perfect blend of caution and aggression. The batting legend also mentioned the debutant, SubamnGill, who played two impressive innings of 45 and 35, and Siraj, who picked five wickets on debut.

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Sachin Tendulkar elaborated, “Shubman looked confident and comfortable. He played some good shots off short-pitched stuff that Australians bowled. Someone upfront who goes out and scores 45 and 35 so, it is surely a good start. Let’s also not forget how Siraj has also bowled. It did not appear to me that he was playing his first Test match.”