India’s excellent run at home was again on display in Nagpur on Day 1, where they managed to restrict Australia to 177 in the first innings.
Jadeja celebrated his international comeback with a fifer, who was supported well by Ashwin with three wickets. India scored 70 at the stumps. Captain Rohit Sharma not out on 56, and Ashwin at the other end.
What’s on the card for Day Two
Australia didn’t have much to delight in on day one but given their nature to fight back from any situation, we can expect Cummins and his bowlers to make all effort to make Indian batsmen’s life hard.
While Cummins and Bolland bowled only a few overs, Todd Murphy and Lyon took the responsibility of restricting India.
Murphy looked good with his spell, and Lyon has been starting to get his rhythm. Cummins had an unusual start for his bowling, and can expect him to hit back on day two.
Aussies will be looking forward to having Lyon and Murphy picking up early wickets so that India doesn’t get away with a huge first-innings score.
Century for Rohit Sharma?
Rohit is on 56 at stumps, and it may be early to think about a century. However, except for the first ball of the innings, the Indian captain played with control, and there were no missed shots. He played the balls according to merit. He had defended the balls well, and stepped out to hit Lyon for a maximum. The footwork and shot selections were on the mark throughout.
He managed to score the bulk of the runs in the evening, and if he continues to bat the way he did, not just a century, a big score awaits him in India’s first-innings.
It will be a great opportunity for Rohit to lead from front on this test series, which is expected to be as the first big challenge for him as test captain.