India vs Off: Indian middle order batsman Ajinkya Rahane India’s battle against the mighty Aussies in the first innings of the World Test Championship final stood against all odds. The Men in Blue were in a big hole when they lost their top four cheaply, trailing Australia’s first innings score of 469. Rahane, who made a comeback to Test cricket after 18 months, produced innings to remember for the ages as did he and Shardul. Thakur helped India reduce the mark to 173.
Rahane fell short of a ton, but his 89 off 129 balls would have been better than even the three-figure mark. The 35-year-old Rahane had hurt his index finger the other day Pat Cummins Distribution. Rahane was seen to be in pain and immediately called for medical help. However, he continued his batting after having to pad his hit finger. Rahane has now issued a major update on his finger injury. After the end of the third day in the Test, Rahane said he was in pain but it would not affect his batting in the second innings.
Rahane said on his setback and batting in the second innings, “Painful but manageable. Don’t think it will affect (my) batting (in India’s second innings).” He also spoke openly about his innings. The 35-year-old said, “Happy with the way I batted. Good today. We were looking to get 320-330, but overall we had a good day. Bowling wise, we bowled well. Hit the boundary.”
Shardul opened on Rahane’s injury
Rahane’s batting partner Shardul Thakur also opened on Rahane’s shock. “He (Rahane) got a bad blow on his finger. It doesn’t look too bad, it is being assessed. He didn’t go to the ground as it would have been risky and he had already fractured the same finger. Will definitely bat,” said Shardul.
After scoring 89, Rahane was dismissed by a brilliant catch by Australian all-rounder Cameron Green. Rahane said of Green’s catch, “It was a really good catch. We all know he’s a really good fielder. It’s got great reach.”
He also opened up on the current scenario of the game, stating that Australia are ahead in the match. “Australia are a little ahead in the game. It is important for us to stay in the moment, play session by session. Tomorrow the first one hour will be crucial. We know strange things can happen. Jadeja bowled really well, footmark left him helped against. -Hender. Still feel the wicket will help the fast bowlers,” Rahane said.