Honest analysis helped: Bangar

Batting coach Sanjay Bangar attributed India’s improved batting show in the second innings of the second Test here to honest analysis of their past performances against the turning ball.

After three sub-200 totals in as many innings, India posted 213 for four on Monday to gain a 126-run lead over Australia.
 
“The batting group got together and then we had a chat about how our approach had been,” pointed out Bangar after the day’s play.

“We also looked into the past of how we negotiated spin and what were the areas where we could have adapted better in the first three innings. It was a good chat and we came out with solutions.

“We also reinforced quite a bit of what they have been doing. Probably I think the batsmen really applied themselves, used their feet well and were trying to get to the pitch of the ball as much as they could as also playing on the back foot,” he explained.

While maintaining that the match was in balance, Bangar predicted the pitch to get tougher with each session. “I think it will be a tough surface for both the teams and the cracks are going to get wider,” he noted.

“How they all adapt to surface and conditions is important. At the moment, the match is very much in balance. I think if we put up a good show in the next two sessions then we will have our noses ahead slightly,” he felt.

While speaking on the mood in the dressing room, Bangar said: “We have fought really well in the last few days. After having the setback of not scoring runs in the first innings, we have clawed our way back. The team has stuck together and not letting the game get away from us. Coming back from the second session we didn’t lose any wickets and consolidated the third session. Overall I think, what lies ahead could be exhilarating stuff.”

Bangar said he also had a chat with KL Rahul who almost threw away his wicket after looking set for a big one. “He was very disappointed and we definitely had a chat,” he said.

“It’s something that we want him to improve in the games to come because he is a quality player. The way he was stroking the ball, really looked comfortable, he was smothering the spin really well and I think in the series and matches to come, he will definitely put a price on his wicket and see less of those unforced errors.”
DH News Service