Published 09:22 IST, January 18th 2021
Ravi Shastri lauded by Michael Vaughan for India's success, both trolled by fans online
Michael Vaughan took to Twitter and credited Ravi Shastri for making the team believe that they could compete despite the absence of Virat Kohli.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has been extremely active on Twitter where he is regularly seen sharing his views on the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. The Englishman has been extremely critical of the Indian team since the tour began in November. From predicting that India will lose to Australia in all formats to claiming that the hosts will whitewash the visitors in the Test series, Vaughan has said everything to deprecate the Indian team.
Michael Vaughan credits Ravi Shastri for team India's fighting spirit
However, the Indian team has time and again made Vaughan swallow his words by putting in inspirational performances on the field. On Sunday, to everyone's surprise, the former cricketer had some words of praise for Indian head coach Ravi Shastri. Vaughan acclaimed Shastri after Shardul Thakur and debutant Washington Sundar's incredible 123 run partnership brought India back into the game.
Vaughan took to Twitter and credited Shastri for India's fighting spirit in the ongoing Test series despite so many challenges. The 46-year lauded Shastri saying that he loves how the Indian veteran manages the team. Vaughan also said that Shastri deserves a lot of credit for making the team believe that they could compete despite the absence of their captain and batting mainstay, Virat Kohli.
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As soon as Vaughan posted the tweet, it was met with a lot of responses. Several reactions poured in as fans trolled the England veteran for his wrong predictions. Some fans also mentioned about ex-India captain Rahul Dravid's role in grooming young cricketers. Here's a look at a few reactions.
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India vs Australia live score update
Meanwhile, after gaining a 33-run lead in the first innings, Australia got off to a great start with openers David Warner and Marcus Harris putting on an 89-run stand for the first wicket. However, both openers were dismissed in quick succession. Mohammed Siraj then dismissed Marnus Labuschagne and Matthew Wade within a space of four balls to leave Austalia at 123/4. Steve Smith and Cameron Green subsequently ensured that the hosts did not suffer any further damage as they went into lunch without losing another wicket.
At the time of publishing this article, Australia were at 204-5 with Cameron Green and captain Tim Paine at the crease. The hosts will look to up the ante now and set a formidable target for India and give their bowlers enough time to bowl out the visitors. On the other hand, India will want to wrap the Australian innings quickly and give themselves a chance to beat the hosts at the Gabba and hand them their first loss at the venue in 32 years.
SOURCE: MICHAEL VAUGHAN INSTAGRAM/ AP
Updated 09:22 IST, January 18th 2021