Follow UsArshdeep Singh, who sat out the first two games of the five-match T20I series against Australia, was finally drafted into the playing 11. The bowler with most T20I wickets for India in the history of the format, did the trick, picking three wickets and getting the Player of the Match award as India beat Australia by five wickets in third match at Hobart on November 2 (Sunday) to level the series.
Speaking in the post match presentation ceremony, Arshdeep thanked senior pacer Jasprit Bumrah for creating the pressure first up, which resulted in batters attacking Arshdeep and thereby giving away their wickets to him.
“When someone is coming hard at you, there’s always a chance to pick up wickets. And when someone like Bumrah is bowling from the other end, batters often take more risks against me, that gives me wicket-taking opportunities,” said Arshdeep, who took 3/35 in his four overs.
The 26-year-old, further said that he trusts his processes and waits for his opportunity, which have not been consistent during Gautam Gambhir’s coaching tenure.
“I’ve just been working on my process, trusting my skills, and executing the plans I’ve practised. It feels great to contribute when I get the chance,” said the man with 104 wickets in 66 T20I for the Men in Blue.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav, who finally showed signs of improving his batting form by getting 11-ball 24 on the board, was happy that his team levelled the series ahead of the last two games.
“I’m really happy with how the team performed. Washi showed great flexibility, Jitesh contributed well, and Arshdeep was outstanding. It felt like the right combination tonight,” he said.
Australian captain, Mitchell Marsh on the other hand, admitted that his team were 20 runs short but also credited Tim David and Marcus Stoinis for being terrific with the bat.
“We were probably 20 runs short. Credit to India - they bowled really well. I liked the intent from our batters, especially Tim David, who came in after early wickets and played superbly. Stoinis too showed great experience at the end,” said Marsh.
The two teams will go head-to-head in the fourth game at the Carrara Oval in Gold Coast, Queensland on November 6th.