India Lose Rohit, 2nd Test Day 1 Highlights: A Day of Battles and Close Calls
The first day of the second Test between India and Australia at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi witnessed a gripping battle, with both sides showcasing their strengths and weaknesses. India's shaky start with the bat set the tone for a day filled with tense moments, ultimately ending with a score of 139/7 at stumps.
India's Wobbly Start and Rohit's Unfortunate Dismissal
India's opening pair, Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, walked in to face a fired-up Australian bowling attack. The early wicket of Rahul, bowled by a peach of a delivery from Nathan Lyon, put India on the backfoot. However, Rohit looked determined, and his partnership with Cheteshwar Pujara (26 runs) brought some stability to the innings.
The crucial moment arrived when Rohit, on 31, edged a wide ball from Mitchell Starc towards the slip cordon. Australia's captain, Pat Cummins, took a blinder of a catch to send the Indian captain back to the pavilion. This wicket was a major blow for India, as Rohit's form had been a highlight in the first Test.
A Fightback Led by Jadeja and Pant
The Indian middle-order struggled to find their rhythm, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Virat Kohli (18) and Shreyas Iyer (8) failed to capitalize on their starts, putting further pressure on the team. However, Ravindra Jadeja (38) and Rishabh Pant (30) provided a much-needed resistance.
Jadeja, known for his resilience and ability to adapt, played with calculated aggression. He took on the Australian spinners, showcasing his powerful strokes. Pant, on the other hand, added his trademark flair to the innings, with his aggressive batting keeping the scoreboard ticking. The duo combined for a 62-run partnership, giving India a chance to claw their way back into the match.
Australia's Dominance in the Evening Session
Despite Jadeja and Pant's valiant efforts, Australia held their nerve and made crucial breakthroughs in the evening session. The dismissal of both Jadeja and Pant, along with the quick wickets of Axar Patel and Mohammed Shami, left India reeling at 139/7.
Key Takeaways from Day 1
The first day of the second Test was a rollercoaster ride for Indian fans. While the team's batting performance was far from their best, the fightback led by Jadeja and Pant showed their character and ability to handle pressure.
Australia's disciplined bowling and crucial catches, especially Cummins' catch of Rohit, were the highlights of the day. The second day promises to be another fascinating battle, with India needing to bat with more resilience and discipline to avoid a first-innings collapse.