India coach Ravi Shastri hailed his team’s eight-wicket win over Australia on Tuesday as one of the great comebacks of all time, praising their character after a crushing loss in the first Test last week. Despite missing superstar Virat Kohli, the Indians outplayed the hosts in Melbourne to silence their critics after being dismissed for 36 in Adelaide on their way to an eight-wicket defeat.
“I think this will go down in the annals of Indian cricket, world cricket, as one of the great comebacks in the history of the game,” said Shastri after they levelled the series 1-1.
“To be rolled over for 36, then three days later to get up and be ready to punch was outstanding.
“I think the boys deserve all the credit for showing real character.”
India’s win was built on a first-innings century by stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane on their way to 326 in reply to Australia’s 195, with young debutant Shubman Gill also excelling with the bat.
