Indian batsmen should have shown more restraint, coach Anil Kumble said on Friday, after a sensational batting collapse left them facing defeat in the first Test against Australia.
“We were in a pretty decent position when Rahul and Ajinkya were batting, but once Rahul got out, we lost those four wickets for four or five balls. But then, you are bound to have a bad day,” Kumble told the media after the day’s play.
“There were a couple of soft dismissals. Certainly, this pitch was a challenging one and needed more restraint… you need to mix your aggression and caution. Credit to the Australian bowlers.”
India crashed to 105 all out as Australia grabbed the initiative, reaching 143 for four in the second innings to extend their overall lead to 298.
Praising O’Keefe, who wrecked the Indian batting by taking six for 35, Kumble said: “He bowled consistently in good areas, and there were a couple of soft dismissals and that pushed us back. It was one of those days where Jadeja bowled in the last session and was probably beating the bat almost three times every over. On another day it could have taken an edge or got a wicket… O’Keefe pitched it (right) and got the results.”