edited by: Aditya Maheshwari
Last Update: February 10, 2023, 18:31 IST
Rohit Sharma played captain’s innings in the first innings of the first Test against Australia (AP Image)
Rohit Sharma stood tall and scored a brilliant century to help India take a healthy lead over Australia.
Team India Batting coach Vikram Rathour praised skipper Rohit Sharma for a brilliant century on a difficult batting surface that helped the hosts take a comfortable lead over Australia in the first Test. Rohit held his ground against a quality bowling attack on a difficult surface and scored 120 as India ended the day with a vital 144-run lead.
The flamboyant opener batted with positive intent and dispatched loose balls for boundaries at regular intervals to keep the bowlers under pressure. He took his time and fought hard during the tough times when India lost wickets at regular intervals. He scored 120 runs off 212 balls.
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The Indian batting coach praised Rohit’s temperament and said that he spoke about his ability to adapt to different situations.
“Today’s innings was special, showed good temperament. Special mood, scoring runs was not easy. He adapts really well, that’s his quality. We know how he plays in India, he went to England and changed his game. Rathore said at the press conference, “Today also he showed his adaptability.”
Meanwhile, Rathour also backed Rohit’s opening partner KL Rahul to bounce back as he pointed to his recent performances in Test cricket. He suggested that the team management should not put any kind of pressure on us.
“To be honest for KL, in the last 10 innings they have scored a few fifties and a few centuries, I don’t think we are there,” he added.
Rahul batted cautiously on the first day of the Nagpur Test but lost his wicket on the verge of stumps for 20 runs. The Indian vice-captain has scored 618 runs in the last 19 innings which includes two centuries and two half-centuries.
The batting coach also praised left-handed all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Akshar Patel, who scored half-centuries in the third session of the day to help India take the lead.
Read this also | 1st Test: Rohit Sharma heroics help hosts take lead on day two
“The last session was good. It was really fortunate to have three spinners opening the batting. It was a much-needed partnership, and we are in a good position,” Rathour said.
There was a lot of noise around the Nagpur pitch before the start of play, but Rathour suggested that it hasn’t turned much yet.
“The wicket played really well. It hasn’t changed the course of that match, or misbehaved,” he said.
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