Gambhir praises Australia for proving critics wrong

NEW DELHI: Australia’s test side deserve credit for impressive performances in the ongoing four-match tour of India, proving wrong a host of experts and pundits who predicted a whitewash for the home side, batsman Gautam Gambhir has said.

Australia, who lost five of their last six overseas Tests against South Africa and Sri Lanka, faced the daunting task at the start of the series against an Indian outfit that were unbeaten in 19 consecutive tests.

Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh and captain Sourav Ganguly predicted a series sweep for Virat Kohli’s men but the visitors have fought hard and the series is tied at 1-1 with the final Test to come.

 “We should give credit to the Australian side which has played remarkably,” Gambhir told the Hindustan Times.

“Most players like Harbhajan (Singh) and Sourav (Ganguly) predicted a whitewash for India, but they have proved themselves brilliantly and with everything on the line, Australia will be a tricky opponent.”

 The series was slightly marred by an acrimonious DRS row between the sides.

However, Gambhir, who has played 58 Tests for India, said sledging was part of the game and it was hard for players to keep a lid on their emotions on the international stage.

“It is fine to play hard and do whatever you can to upset the opposition till the time you don’t get personal,” he added.