Veteran Australian pacer Mitchell Starc left the Indian batters shell-shocked in the 2nd game of the three-match ODI series in Vizag on Sunday. The Australian speedster handed in-form opener Shubman Gill a two-ball duck before opening the floodgates. Staging India’s fightback with the bat, former Indian skipper Virat Kohli played a gritty knock against Australia. However, he was dismissed by Nathan Ellis in the 16th over.
Dissecting Kohli’s dismissal after the recently concluded contest between the two teams, former India batter Wasim Jaffer explained why the Indian run machine has struggled to bank on his promising starts in recent games.
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During a chat on ESPNCricinfo, Wasim Jaffer said, “It was a massive wicket as he looked in rhythm. He might not have played Nathan Ellis a lot and got beaten after playing across. I’m a little surprised because the old Kohli wouldn’t be dismissed after making 30-35 runs, but it’s happening frequently. So, Kohli has to change that. I thought we might see one more big score at his favorite venue and it, unfortunately, couldn’t happen.”
Kohli was dismissed for 31 off 35 balls by Ellis, who later got the better of Ravindra Jadeja in the 20th over. After Kohli’s departure, Team India got bundled out for 117 in 26 overs. Pacer Starc turned the series decider into a one-sided contest with his spell of 5-53 in 8 overs. Wasim Jaffer also lauded the Australian pacer after his bowling masterclass paved the way for the visitors to level the ODI series 1-1 in Visakhapatnam.
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Ahead of the 3rd ODI in Chennai, Wasim Jaffer said, “If your new-ball bowler gets you wickets, there is nothing better than that. If you can dismiss the top 2-3 opposition batters, they will go in the backfoot. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are currently on the sidelines. So, I see this team as even stronger. If Starc can maintain this form, these are good signs for Australia.”
