India team captain Rohit Sharma looked with excellent touch on Day 2 of the first Test against Australia at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on Friday 10th February. , guiding India to 151/3.
While appearing to be completely in command in the middle, the Indian captain had a lucky escape just before the session ended. He narrowly escaped a race after a mix-up with Virat Kohli.
In the over 48 of India’s innings, Kohli slotted in a delivery from Australian offline Nathan Lyon towards midwicket. He then took a couple of steps out the window, suggesting that he was interested in a quick run.
Rohit responded and charged to the other end. However, realizing that it was a difficult race, Kohli withdrew. Then the Indian captain had to turn back and dive desperately to reach his line safely. A wide throw from the fielder also helped the Indian batsman’s cause. Acknowledging his mistake, Kohli raised her hand and apologized to his captain.
Kohli was unbeaten on 12 of 25 balls when he ate lunch on Day 2 of the Nagpur Test. He was sacked early in the second session, becoming Todd Murphy’s fourth innings victim.
Resuming their first innings on 77/1, India lost night watchman Ravichandran Ashwin (23) and Cheteshwar Pujara (seven). Murphy, Australia’s debutant, claimed both wickets.
The bowler had also dismissed KL Rahul (20) just before stumps on Day 1, thus claiming his first Test hair.
“He won’t let any bowler settle” – Ravi Shastri on Rohit Sharma’s impact
After Ravindra Jadeja’s five-wicket haul on the return restricted Australia to 177 on Day 1 in Nagpur, Rohit extended India’s lead to half a century. Speaking on the ICC Review show after the opening day play, Ravi Shastri compared Rohit to former starter Virender Sehwag.
Sharing his views on the importance of the Indian captain’s bat form in the ongoing series, Shastri said:
“If Rohit stays there, he gets it quickly. He won’t let any bowlers settle. The races will come as Viru in his prime. When Virender Sehwag was fit, he made the job of the middle order much easier by taking them to the opposition early on. His role will be that ”.
The ongoing Test against Australia in Nagpur is Rohit’s first red ball game for India since Bengaluru’s Test against Sri Lanka in March 2022.