Allan Border, Matthew Hayden lambast Aussies for not being able to restrict Kohli

The strong reactions from former Australian Test players after Australia’s humiliating 295-run loss against India in Perth continued on November 29, as well. Former Australian skipper Allan Border, on whom the Border-Gavaskar trophy is named, joined the caravan as he lambasted Pat Cummins and Australia, allowing Virat Kohli to complete his century in Perth without much trouble.

Kohli, who hadn't been in great form in Test cricket in the last four years, needed runs in Perth not only for the team but also his own confidence. He achieved that by scoring a brisk century, as India declared and Australia needed 534 for a win. Border criticised the lack of fight shown by Australia during his innings, as the majority of the deliveries he faced were from Nathan Lyon, and not the Australian pacers. 

Moreover, Marnus Labuschagne also bowled a decently long spell in the middle during the period when India were looking to accelerate towards a declaration.  Kohli eventually had no trouble bringing up his 30th Test and 81st international century as he India declared right after he reached the landmark and finished an elaborate celebration. 

“I was really disappointed in the way we let Kohli roll on to a hundred without much resistance,” Border told SEN radio. 

“We don’t want this guy full of confidence for the rest of the series.”

Former left-handed opener Matthew Hayden also chimed strongly for Channel 7 as he criticised Australia’s defensive field placements which allowed Kohli to rotate strike easily. Even Nitish Reddy made merry of the opportunity, scoring 38* off 27 after a resolute 41 in the first innings. 

“They missed a few tricks with Virat Kohli in the early part of his innings,” Hayden remarked to Channel 7. 

“You can’t cut a sucker an even break when a bloke is under pressure as he was. The field placements made it too easy for him to get off strike early.”

The second Test of the five-Test match series will be a pink ball Test played from December 6 in Adelaide. 

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