Nagpur, Feb 10: Skipper Rohit Sharma conjured up one his most impressive Test hundreds under pressure against a quality Australian attack as India vaulted to a crucial 144-run lead in the series-opener after ending the day two at 321 for 7, here Friday.
Rohit (120) displayed class and composure of the highest order and in the process became the first Indian captain to have scored a century in all three formats.
While Rohit’s ninth Test hundred is worth its weight in gold, Ravindra Jadeja’s (66 not out) 18th half-century is also priceless. The all-rounder’s knock will be equally important in the context of the game.
Jadeja once again showed his true worth by adding 61 runs for the sixth wicket with Rohit and another 81 runs for the unconquered eighth-wicket with Axar Patel (52 batting), who is also playing a fine hand.
It was a battle of attrition for Indian batters, especially Rohit and Jadeja with the home team putting on board 244 runs on the second day.
On a slow track where other batters found the run-scoring extremely difficult, the Indian captain was concentration-personified.
It had the same class as the 161 he scored in against England in 2021 in the Chennai Test. The opener put his best food forward against an attack, led by spinners Nathan Lyon (1/98) and Todd Murphy (5/82), who got a five-for on Test debut.
In fact, both the off-break bowlers came round the wicket against right-handers to stem the flow of runs and succeeded partially.
Having read the nature of the pitch perfectly, Rohit curbed his natural flair and channelised his “inner Cheteshwar Pujara” and testimony to that was 62 completely out of character runs that he scored across two sessions on the day.
He had scored 56 runs in half-a-session on Thursday evening.
Pull has been Rohit’s go-to shot in every form of cricket he didn’t take his opposite number Pat Cummins’ (1/74) bait, save one time when he hit him for a maximum behind square.
He didn’t try to get to his hundred in a hurry, playing out maidens and taking singles before whipping Cummins to square leg for a boundary that took his score in the 90s.
It was an inside-out lofted drive over extra cover off Murphy that brought up his hundred, and once again reiterated the theory that in adverse situations, individuals with the highest degree of skill prevail.
There wasn’t any over-the-top celebrations, no cuss words used or the customary ritual of removing the helmet. He just looked towards the dressing room in acknowledgement.
Once second new ball was taken, Cummins dismissed Rohit with an unplayable delivery that was fast and also moved away late after pitching. However Jadeja stood firm and got good support from Axar to further consolidate India’s position in the game. (PTI)
