‘He has wasted the new ball’ – Sunil Gavaskar slams Indian bowlers for lack of intensity during MCG Test

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar wasn’t pleased with the way Rohit Sharma and his side bowled at the MCG. The veteran lashed out at the bowlers for the lack of bite with the new ball to let the hosts off the hook during the fourth Test. Sunil Gavaskar was especially hard on bowlers for not making use of the second new ball on Thursday. 

The 75-year-old during his commentary stint said “Pretty ordinary bowling. If you have to bowl a bouncer, you get it around the helmet's badge and not around the waist. I'm very disappointed, I'm sorry. This new ball has been wasted. Aakash Deep has been all over the place. He has wasted the new ball by bowling way outside off stump. The Indians have also been sloppy in the field."

With the exception of Jasprit Bumrah, none of India’s seam bowlers were effective. Akash Deep seemed erratic while Mohammed Siraj was taken to the cleaners by the Aussie batters. Siraj bowled 23 overs and gave way 122 runs without picking a wicket or bowling a maiden over. Akash Deep bowled 26 overs and picked 2/94 including the wicket of Steve Smith for 140. 

Ravi Shastri questions Rohit Sharma’s captaincy 

Former India coach Ravi Shastri wasn’t impressed with the way Rohit Sharma led the side and let the game drift away. Speaking on Star Sports, Shastri said, “India ran out of ideas. Bowling was pretty ordinary. Spin wasn't used as much as it should have. It took 40 overs for Sundar to bowl. Why did you play two spinners? What was the need if you don't trust them?"

This isn’t the first time experts have questioned Rohit’s captaincy. The 37-year-old has been attracting criticism since the home series loss to New Zealand where his leadership came under scanner. Jasprit Bumrah has been the best bowler across both sides.

The 31-year-old picked 4/99 on Friday to become the best bowler for India during Australia’s 1st innings. Bumrah now has picked 25 wickets the most by any bowler during the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy.