Rohit Sharma‘s captaincy skills were put to the test for the first time at the Border Gavaskar Trophy as India’s fourth test match against Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad used a pitch that featured the best batsmen in the series so far. The Indian captain did a great job. Rohit pointed to the unusualness of the captain winning the toss and losing the first three Tests of the series but losing the toss in the series decider. Australia captain Steve Smith struck without hesitation.
Rohit knows his job is being scrapped after new Indian bowlers Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav struggled in the first 10 overs.
He quickly introduced Ravichandran Ashwin into the attack. The outspinner hit in his fourth over and retired flyhalf Travis Hyde for 32. Rohit passed the ball to his other batter, Ravindrajadja.
Ashwin and Jadeja kept scoring, but there was apparently nothing to interest them. Rohit soon found him.
He turned to Shami, although the fast bowler was seen as stubborn in his early days. Shami returned the faith with a second wicket from Marnus Labuschagne (3).
India vs Australia
Test Day 4 Highlights India failed to get a wicket for the entire second game – the first game of the series – due to Steve Smith’s very good strike and Khawaja. India rejected their plan. Rohit asked Umesh Yadav to short Steve Smith.
He also set up some unusual pitches. This gives Australians a lot to think about. Whether he was thinking that when he languidly dragged a direct throw from Ravindra Jadeja to his stumps in the next game, we don’t know, but India were back in the game.
Rohit was once again proactive in his captaincy. After Umesh was taken out of some bounds by Peter Handscomb, he brought Shami back to Umesh’s side to attack.
Shami has woven his magic with the ancient ball in just four deliveries. He exposed Handcomb’s weakness of retreating without a second line of defense and pushed her off the stump.
Cameron Green hits the 6 and shows good intentions. Rohit knew this would be a pivotal moment in the match.
So in the breaks he is at his best. He fumbled with his arms and kept pointing, reminding almost everyone to keep working hard.
Rohit’s lively speech did not miss the eyes of commentators. “It sounded like he was pointing at the dashboard and saying ‘go on. All we did was come back strong,” former India left-arm spinner Murali Kartik said.
However, India failed to make any further progress as their decision to take the second ball backfired. This allowed Green to score and put Australia in a strong position. Usman Khawaja stood like a rock at the other end and reached his 13th century test. Australia is 255/4 at the stumps on Day 1, with Green (49) and Khawaja (104*) at the crease.
