On Friday, in Nagpur, India opener Rohit Sharma stepped up as captain and delivered a masterful performance on a challenging track. With his 9th Test century, he propelled the hosts past Australia’s first-innings score of 177 on the second day of the first Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
On Thursday, Rohit scored his first 50 runs with aggression. However, on Friday, as the pitch slowed down and started to wear out, he wisely mixed caution with his aggression.
Eventually, the skipper reached his century in 171 balls with a four-off debutant off-spinner Todd Murphy. By that time, Murphy had become the most successful bowler of the innings for Australia, having taken four wickets.
Rohit became the 1st Indian captain to hit centuries in all three formats
In his fourth match as Test captain, senior batter Rohit shone with a brilliant century. All-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel then took over, boosting India to 321/7 at Stumps on Day 2 in Nagpur. During the series opener, Shastri, on commentary duty, credited Rohit and Jadeja for maintaining India’s dominance on a spinning Nagpur pitch.
“I think that the partnership between Jadeja and Rohit came at the right time for India. I think they both realised the importance of that partnership. And you could see Rohit, even after getting to his hundred, it was as if he was taking fresh guard, and starting all over again. And Jadeja has improved over the years, he believes in himself and he is a useful contributor lower down the order whenever he is needed.”
Ravi Shastri told Star Sports.
“It’s a tribute to his footwork, his temperament and skill. Rohit has played with his wrists, played late and he is never coming hard at the ball. He has played with soft hands. A great example of how to bat on this pitch. Because of the time he has, he can play both spin and pace with good effect. And when he wants to hit, he can go big.”
Shastri further added.
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