Australia lost their last match of the Super 10 phase in the ongoing ICC World T20 against host India which was a virtual quarter-final. The Aussies lost the match by 6 wickets and 5 balls to spare at Mohali.
In the crucial stages of the match while India were chasing, Australia banked on pace bowlers instead of spin as they were knocked out of the tournament.
Young Australian spinner Adam Zampa was a revelation for his side throughout the tournament with his disciplined bowling. He also earned the Player of the Match award against Bangladesh and picked up 5 wickets in the tournament.
But in that crunch match against India, the leg-spinner delivered only two overs at Mohali, where Australia’s hope of a maiden World T20 title were ended by a Virat Kohli masterclass.
Many former cricketers suggested after the match that it was a big mistake from the Aussie-skipper Steven Smith. Indian captain MS Dhoni also expressed a similar opinion in the post-match press conference.
He said, "The wicket was not easy to bat on. The back of a length delivery, it was quite difficult to get it away. Especially the spinners, the good thing was I don't think they bowled too many spinners.”
Zampa gave away only 11 runs from his two overs while off-spinner Glenn Maxwell gave away 18 runs from his two overs. Both the spinners were unable to pick up a wicket but kept it tight.
Australian captain had no regrets about not bowling out the spinners
Despite criticism from various sources, the Australian captain Steven Smith had no regrets about throwing the ball to the pacers instead of the spinners.
He said, "I just thought at that period of time they were just starting to go. I thought the quicks could do the job, bowling the ball into the wicket. Like they did so well in the last game. It just wasn't to be tonight."
Smith was disappointed with his dismissal but ready to move on
The Australian captain also admitted that he was disappointed with his controversial dismissal in the match. Smith was judged caught behind having misread Yuvraj Singh’s first delivery of the match.
At first, it looked like there was a gap between the blade and the ball but the replays suggested that there was a deviation after the ball passed the bat.
Smith said, "It didn't feel like I hit that but that's the game of cricket. I got given out. It was the umpire's call and that was it. It was a bit disappointing."
After completing the catch Dhoni appealed widely as he was very sure that he had heard the edge clearly.
Smith further said that this thing happens in cricket and is ready to move on.
He said, "I'm not sure, he might have heard something. I certainly didn't feel anything. It's not the first time and it won't be the last time it happens ... I'm sure it'll happen again in my career so I'm not too worried about it and I'll move on."
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