It's now about crossing line, were expecting more from lower-order: Bangar

Indian assistant coach Sanjay Bangar Sunday highlighted the lower order collapse as one of the areas the team can improve going ahead in the Test series against Australia and said it is now about "crossing the line".

The visitors lost their last seven wickets for 73 runs, and the last five for 25 runs, as they were bowled out for 307 runs in the second innings of the opening Test at the Adelaide Oval.

Chasing 323, Australia finished day four at 104 for four. Bangar said the expectation was of another 25 runs from the lower order, which collapsed as soon as Rishabh Pant holed out after an attacking innings.

"We were expecting atleast 25 runs. That's an area where we are continuously looking to improve. And we hope the lower order, especially number 9, 10 and 11 show more application than they did today," he said.

"When Rishabh Pant walked in we were 260-odd. Immediately he released the pressure and gave us those quick 30-35 runs. Once he had put us in that position, we expected that with time, with a better approach and calculation, tactically he could have done better.

"But you don't want to take the fearlessness away from him otherwise. Hitting against the turn and getting those boundaries are high percentage shots. Those are the shots that many courageous players have played."
When asked if Pant needs to relook at certain aspects of his batting, Bangar replied, "He is a pretty mature player. He is capable of playing both games. He has another aspect to his game and for somebody who is just starting his career, it is an exciting prospect to have."
"We have put ourselves in those commanding positions. Unfortunately we couldn't close those but as a team probably what we feel is that we have always been very competitive. Now it is about crossing the line."
"When we spoke to the groundsman he was of the opinion they had started using drop in wickets, which was needed to make the contest more even - 50-50 between bat and ball."
"About Rahane and Pujara both are quality Test batsmen and whenever they have done well, they have put us in a good position."
"He himself said that it is one of his best knocks. On the back of it, he has made a big contribution in the second innings as well. The big score had been elusive but he has managed to surpass those obstacles."
"As far as his form goes, he scored runs against West Indies and even in England he had scores in the third, fourth and fifth Tests. It's just that the hundred has been elusive."
"When you are playing the first session of the series, there are nerves. Some people are trying to make a comeback. Some have been out of form, so there could be a bit of anxiety."