Australia whitewash India, wins Hockey series 5-0
However, despite the visitors’ determined efforts, Australia succeeded in preventing India from levelling the score, ultimately securing a thrilling 3-2 victory in the match.
After a 31-run win over Australia in the opening match of four-match Test series on Monday, Indian skipper Virat Kohli said the team’s middle order could have done better. The match was played at the Adelaide Oval.
“I think our lower middle order and lower order could have done better. We could have added another 30-35 runs more which could have taken the game totally beyond Australia,” Virat Kohli said at the post-match presentation.
“So these are things that we have to think about going to Perth but if someone had told me before the series that I would be 1-0 up as soon we started the series, I would have taken it with both hands,” Kohli added.
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The stylish 30-year-old Indian captain also heaped praises on bowlers for taking 20 wickets in opening Test.
“Super proud (of the bowlers), to have four bowlers and take 20 wickets is a great achievement. Something that we haven’t done in the past,” Virat Kohli said. “Shows us that if the batsmen step up regularly, we will be gunning for a win in every Test match. Collectively we were the better team and deserved to win.”
Speaking about centurion Chetesthwar Pujara, Virat Kohli said, “Priceless from Pujara, we were down and out at lunch on day 1. His grit and determination brought us back in it. We always knew that runs on the board would make the home side tentative. Any lead was gold and we got 15. In the second innings again, he and Rahane batted well.”
When Virat Kohli was asked if Aussie tailenders frustrated the Indian side, he said, “These things happen in Tests, ups and downs through a game. You need to just stay calm. Odds were stacked against them. They fought really well but we executed our plans well and got that last wicket which were intending to get.”
“I wouldn’t say I was cool as ice but you just don’t try to show it. Jasprit (Bumrah) was getting worked up in his last over but I just told him to relax,” Indian caption added.
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