India's Record Against Tailenders Reveal Dismal Overseas Attack
Indian bowlers have given away an average of 84 runs to batsmen number eight, nine and ten in Tests played outside Asia. This is the worst among all Test-playing nations.
The inadequacies of the India's bowling arsenal lay bare in Brisbane as they once again failed to get rid of Australia's tailenders. It is a problem that has plagued India since the retirement of legendary Anil Kumble and MS Dhoni has been left without answers.
Mitchell Johnson and Steve Smith put together a 148 run 7th wicket partnership as Australia smashed 282 runs in the first two sessions on day 3. And to rub salt to India's wounds, Mitchell Starc, the No 8 Aussie batsman scored 52 in 59 balls
For the 9th wicket, Australia made 56 runs in 50 balls and for the 10th, they made 51 in 80 balls.
In Brisbane while India lost its last 4 wickets in the first innings for 80 runs, Australians notched up 258 runs for their last 4.
Statistics have shown that India have conceded an average of 84 runs to wickets 8,9 and 10 outside of Asia. This is the worst record among all the Test playing nations
In 2011 the Indian bowling attack struggled against the No. 10 and No.11. Of the top seven totals by the last two batsmen that year, 4 were scored against India. England scored 97 runs in Nottingham, South Africa 79 runs in Cape Town, West Indian and Australian tail scored 74 runs in Jamaica and Melbourne respectively.
Perhaps one of the worst reminders of tailenders' torment come from the Lord's Test in 2011. At 6/107, England were on the mat, when Matt Prior and Stuart Broad came together to score an unbeaten 162 for the 7th wicket and eventually win the match. England never looked back from there as India were whitewashed 4-0.
Despite the batsmen having made creditable contributions in the ongoing Brisbane Test, the Indian bowling have come a cropper and they need to do some introspection to stay alive in the series.