India are finding themselves facing a huge and uphill task in the final of the World Test Championships. The Australian tightened their grip on the test after nipping out half the Indian batting line up by the time the stumps were drawn on the 2nd day. The task and the responsibility of taking India past the follow on mark falls on Ajinkya Rahane. The 35 year old is making his comeback to the Indian side after over 18 months and has so far batted with patience and class.
The story so far –
Australia were bowled out for 469 on the 2nd day just few minutes before the tea break Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill gave India a good start but the Australian made it back to the game thanks to their pace bowlers. When the stumps were drawn it was Rahane and KS Bharat who were batting in the middle.
Rahane speaks about the fall of wickets –
35 year old former Indian vice captain, Ajinkya Rahane knows a thing or two about adversity. Rahane led the side to a win in Australia in the now infamous 2020/21 series which India took home 2-1.
Speaking to Star Sports India the broadcaster for the World Test Championship final, Rahane spoke on the struggles faced by the batters. Rahane said “playing in England, you have to look at the conditions. generally, we look at the wickets, but when in England, you have to look upstairs. When its cloudy, its favorable for the bowlers, when its sunny it gets better to bat on. You have to be in the moment, whether you bat at 50+, 70+, or your just quiet inside. You have to be in the moment playing to the conditions really well”
.@ajinkyarahane88, after a successful partnership with @imjadeja on day 2, talks about how adapting to English conditions & playing by instinct is key!
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) June 9, 2023
Tune-in to #WTCFinalOnStar
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Scott Boland makes life difficult for India –
Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill looked positive in their intent and were scoring at over 6 runs per over. Pat Cummins got the first blow when he had Rohit Sharma LBW out for 15. Boland who replaced Hazlewood for the game then bowled both Gill and Pujara 13 and 14. Starc then got the big wicket of Kohli for 14 when he was out trying to fend a short ball. Jadeja scored quick fire 48 off 51 balls with 6 fours and a six before he fell to Lyon caught by Smith at slips.