'We’re giving blokes thumbs up when they’re beating us outside off' - Allan Border blasts Steve Smith's antics in first Test

Team India dominated the first Nagpur Test as they beat Australia by an innings and 132 runs. The performances of Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Axar Patel were integral in helping India establish a dominant victory against the Aussies.

The dismal performance of Australia pushed legendary Australian batter Allan Border to opine that the team has to play with a harder edge in the coming games. He also reflected on the fact that Steve Smith was handing out thumbs up to Indian bowlers after a good delivery.

"Play with a harder edge I mean, we’re giving blokes the thumbs up when they’re beating us outside the off stump, What the hell is going on? That is just ridiculous. We’re even giving someone thumbs up ... bloody hell," Border was quoted as saying by Fox Cricket.

Team India takes the lead in the Test series

After India’s dominant display in the first Test, the team took a 1-0 lead following the game in Nagpur. Ravindra Jadeja was named the Player of the Match following his performances with both the bat and the ball. The 34-year-old took five wickets in the first innings and scored 70 runs while batting and maintaining a solid partnership with both Rohit Sharma and Axar Patel.

Debutant Todd Murphy’s performance was the one positive for the Aussies, as the 22-year-old picked up seven wickets in the first innings. In the second, Australia were bowled out for just 91 runs, and Steve Smith was the highest scorer with 25 runs. 

Just one batter from the Australian side managed to score more than 20 runs in the second innings. Skipper Pat Cummins will have to think outside the box and stay patient when the teams meet again on February 17 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.