"What was the need if you don't trust them?" - Former India coach lashes out at Team India's selection on Day 2 of BGT 2024-25 4th Test

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri slammed India's bowling performance and tactics in the first session of Day 2 against Australia in Melbourne. The hosts began the second day on 311/6 but added 143 runs in 27 overs for the loss of just one wicket in the morning session.

While Steve Smith celebrated his 34th Test century, skipper Pat Cummins contributed a 63-ball 49. Australia finished the first session of Day 2 on a dominant 454/7, much to the disappointment of Indian fans and experts.

Speaking on Star Sports during the lunch break, Shastri, unimpressed with India's display in the first session, said [Via Indian Express]:

"I thought the bowling was pretty ordinary. They ran out of ideas, India. Spin wasn’t used as much as it should have. It took a gap of 40 overs before Jadeja was introduced into the attack. It took a long time for Washington Sundar to bowl his first over. So when you’re playing two spinners, you have to ask the question, why did you play two spinners? What was the need if you don’t trust them?"

India played a second spinner at the expense of their No.3 batter, Shubman Gill, thanks to a successful template previously used at Melbourne.

Yet, skipper Rohit Sharma never used either Ravindra Jadeja or Washington Sundar in the first 16 overs of Day 2 even as Smith and Cummins made merry.

"India paid the price for it because Steve Smith is relentless" - Ravi Shastri

Australia v India - Men's 4th Test Match: Day 2 - Source: Getty

Ravi Shastri hailed Steve Smith for his brilliant century on Day 2 of the ongoing Boxing Day Test.

Smith raced to his 34th Test century off 167 deliveries, dominating the Indian attack with 13 boundaries and 3 maximums. It was also his 11th Test century against India and 10th in Border-Gavaskar Trophy matches - both all-time records.

"India paid the price for it because Steve Smith is relentless. He’s a master batsman. He did the hard yards at the Gabba. And that’s paid off in this innings because he was more like his fluent self in this innings. Just the way he adapts to different conditions, different bowlers, with his footwork. His footwork changes. The movements change to different bowlers. He’s great to watch," said Shastri.

Smith was eventually dismissed for 140 from 197 deliveries with Australia well-placed at 465/9 in 119 overs.