India vs Australia, 1st Test: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were involved in a mix-up that could have proved costly in the first session on Day 2 of the first Test in Nagpur.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Feb 10, 2023 12:19 IST
Virat Kohli was involved in a mix-up with Rohit Sharma (AP Photo)
By India Today Web Desk: It could have been a disastrous end to the morning session on Day 2 of the first Test in Nagpur for India against Australia as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were involved in a big mix-up towards the end of the session. Virat Kohli called Rohit Sharma for a single but changed his mind midway and urged the skipper to return. Rohit was quick to respond to the change of mind as he turned back and put in a dive to avoid getting run-out.
It all happened in the 48th over bowled by Nathan Lyon when Virat Kohli was batting on 5 after joining a well-set Rohit Sharma following the wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara for 7. Kohli pushed a delivery to the mid-wicket fielder and took a couple of steps down the wicket. However, after realising that it could be a tight single, Kohli sent back Rohit.
India vs Australia, 1st Test Day 2 Updates
After Rohit made it safe to the non-striker’s end, Virat Kohli put his hand up and apologised to Rohit for being indecisive about his call for the single. Rohit, who got up after the dive, looked at Virat Kohli and signaled that all was well. Rohit was batting on 83 when he survived the run-out chance and added 2 more runs before the Lunch was taken.
Much to India’s delight, both Rohit and Kohli (12) remained unbeaten at Lunch as India headed to the break with 151 for 3 on the board in 52 overs, trailing Australia’s first innings total of 177 by just 26 runs.
Notably, Virat Kohli, the former captain, patted Rohit on his back after he walked into the middle, applauding the effort of the skipper in not allowing Australia bowlers to pick early wickets.
Rohit Sharma had begun on his overnight score of 56, partnering with nightwatchman R Ashwin who joined the skipper late on Day 1 after debutant spinner Todd Murphy picked up the wicket of KL Rahul.
Rohit and Ashwin added 42 runs for the 2nd wicket as they kept the Australian bowling threat away in the first hour on Friday in Nagpur. However, R Ashwin was out LBW to Murphy for 23 off 62 deliveries. Cheteshwar Pujara, who walked in at No. 4, could not trouble the scorers much as he played a sweep shot that went straight into the hands of the short fine-leg fielder.
Rohit and Kohli survived a few nervy moments towards the end of the first session as India went to the break in the driver’s seat.
