21 February 2023 , 10:50
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Matthew Hayden appeared to mock Australia's six-wicket defeat to rivals India, after the opening batsman took a broom out into the centre of Arun Jaitley Stadium following his nation's struggles with the sweep shot.
Australia fell to their second successive three-day loss to their Indian rivals, as the hosts chased down their second innings target of 118 with ease. It was yet another damning collapse for Pat Cummins' side, who lost nine wickets in just 91 minutes on day three.
India then returned to the crease and cantered to victory after losing just four wickets, in another damning day for Australian cricket on away soil.
The key to the Aussies' down fall seemed to be their struggles with the sweep shot, as the visitors lost six wickets from playing either the sweep or the reverse sweep. Most notably captain Cummins fell foul of the shot on a turning Delhi pitch.
The Aussie opening bowler and skipper was cleaned bowled for a golden duck by the in-form Ravindra Jadeja whilst down on one knee, in a moment to forget for the 29-year-old. One man who was left less than impressed was one of Australia's greatest ever batsman in Hayden.
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Matthew Hayden took a broom onto the Delhi pitchSpeaking on commentary following Cummins' dismissal, he said: "You have to trust your defence, every player who plays on the subcontinent. When you hack across the line, you have to give yourself some chance.
"He’s gone in with a premeditated plan to sweep ball one instead of understanding the defence has to be there. Build on it.” Taking aim at Australia's sweeping struggles, Hayden made his way onto the pitch post-match with a broom as he filmed a short segment for broadcaster Star Sports.
What are your thoughts on Australia's recent struggles? Let us know in the comments section below.
It was a day to forget for Pat Cummins and his team (Getty Images)Describing the Aussie collapse as a 'disaster', and outlining their aggressive play as they downfall, he commented: "These are world-class players, and they’ve got everything to win and everything to lose in this session. They did it so well last evening in those few overs.
"But what we’ve seen here is a disaster for Australia. They’ve gone way over the edge in terms of their aggressive play.” Defeat for Cummins' side means they have fallen to yet another series defeat to India, with the hosts 2-0 ahead with one Test left to play.