After a lack of application in the first innings, the Indian batsmen held their own on the fourth day of the first Test against Australia, although there were blips that could be worked on, assistant coach Sanjay Bangar said.
From 56-4 at lunch on day one, India recovered to 250 courtesy a gritty first Test ton in Australia for Cheteshwar Pujara and after gaining a slender 15-run lead in the first innings, the Indian batsmen showed a lot more application in their second dig, marching to 260-5 at lunch on the fourth day before being skittled out for 307.
Set 323 to win, Australia reached 104-4 at stumps on day four, still needing 219 to win with six wickets in hand.
“Vijay’s here because of his experience. He’s here because he’s performed well in the county circuit, and even in the practice match that we played, he got a score under his belt,” Bangar jumped to Vijay’s defence.
“Being in and out of the team never helps any player, but we are keen that the experience that he possesses and the discipline that he can bring to the game.. because playing against the new ball, and the quality of attack that the Australian team has, we need the top-order to be giving us good starts.”
