“That would’ve fired me up” - Former Australia cricketer slams India’s celebrations after avoiding a follow-on in BGT 2024-25 3rd Test
Former Australia wicketkeeper-batter Brad Haddin has slammed India’s wild celebrations on the field and in the dressing room after avoiding a follow-on on Day 4 of the third Test in Brisbane on Tuesday, December 17. Haddin pointed out that the tourists were a long way behind in the game.
Haddin's reaction came a day after skipper Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and head coach Gautam Gambhir looked elated after avoiding the follow-on during a 47-run partnership from Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep for the last wicket.
The cricketer-turned-commentator took the example of how England were irked with Australia’s similar celebrations in 2005 before winning the second Test by two runs and later securing the five-game series 2-1.
Haddin told Fox Sports during the Day 5 rain break:
“That reaction surprised me; all they did was pass the follow-on, they’re still a long way behind in the game. That would’ve fired me up actually, and I would’ve been saying in the change rooms: ‘Let’s get these guys out there to have a bat (in the second innings).”
“I remember that’s what England said in 2005 when we played it out for the draw when there was a bit of a celebration from us,” he added.
“We were surprised” – Nathan Lyon shares similar sentiments as Brad Haddin on India’s follow-on celebrations against Australia
Australia’s premier spinner Nathan Lyon reacted similarly to Brad Haddin regarding India’s celebrations after surviving a follow-on in the third Test. He told Fox Sports:
“A few of us as well after play, we spoke about that and we were surprised by some of their reactions, especially the way we’ve gone about this game and I think we can be extremely proud about the way we’ve gone about it.”
“We’ve driven this game and to get it into the position we find ourselves in at the moment we feel like that’s a pretty big message to us that they’re feeling confident in where they are in the game. But I honestly feel like there’s a lot of cricket left in this game,” he added.
As far as the match is concerned, the tourists are eight without loss while chasing 275. Following the inspired show from Day 4, India reduced Australia to 89/7 before the hosts declared their second innings.
Follow the IND vs AUS 3rd Test live score and updates here.