Post Pune debacle, Tendulkar backs Kohli & Co. to fight back

Melbourne [Australia], Mar. 2 (ANI): Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar has backed Virat Kohli & his men to bounce back from the humiliating defeat in the first Test at Pune, saying the hosts will "fight back" in the upcoming matches of the four-matches against Australia. Australia bowled out India for paltry totals of 105 and 107 in the two innings of the first Test, with leg spinner Steve O'Keefe taking a total of 12 wickets as the visitors wrapped up a 333-run win inside three days. O' Keefe's match figures of 12 wickets for 70 were in fact the best ever by a visiting spinner in India. The loss ended India's winning streak of 19 matches on the trot and also the 17 match home-winning streak. This was also Kohli's first defeat as captain in Test cricket at home. "It was a tough Test match for us but it is part and parcel of the game ... Knowing the spirit of the Indian team I know that they will fight back hard," cricket.com.au quoted Tendulkar as saying. "There are good moments and there are tough moments but it is all about how you stand back on your feet again and start competing. That is what makes the sport interesting," he added. India are now 0-1 down in the four-match series and going into the second Test beginning Saturday at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, they have a lot to think about, especially about their batting. (ANI)