Pink-ball Test: Win not impossible, anything can happen if intent is there, says Pooja Vastrakar

Avin may not be impossible, but India showed more determination on the final day if they are to record a famous pink-ball test win against Australia, pacer Pooja Vastrakar said.

Vastrakar and veteran fast bowler Jhulan Goswami were the stars for India with the ball on Saturday after the visitors declared on 377/8. However, enforcing a follow-on remains a tall order for India, with Australia trailing them by just 234 runs and with the experienced pair of Ellyse Perry and Ashleigh Gardner left standing for the hosts at the end of the third day.

“If we have to win the match, we have to come with more intent tomorrow and try and break the partnerships and enforce the follow on,” she said at a virtual media interaction at the end of the third day’s play.

“It is not impossible. We will try. In two sessions we managed to get four wickets which was crucial. If the intent is there. anything can happen in the game of cricket,” Vastrakar, who finished the day with 2 for 31 further said.

Vastrakar got the wicket of opposition captain Meg Lanning, who was unlucky to be adjudged leg before as there was a big inside edge onto the pads.

“I did not focus on the batter. I just focussed on my line and length,” said the 22-year-old about bowling to Lanning.

The 22-year old medium-pacer said it was a nice experience bowling with the pink ball under the lights.

“It was a nice experience bowling with the Pink Ball under the lights. Pink ball doesn’t move as much as the red ball. Moves initially, but as it gets older it doesn’t as much. Had fun bowling under the lights,” she added.

About the pitch, Vastrakar said it suited pacers a little more than the spinners, adding “the spinners were trying to keep it tight but the pacers were going for the wickets.”

Also, she said it was important to carry on the good work started by Jhulan and Meghna. “My job was to stick to the right line and lengths and I got the results…,” she added.