India 339/6 at Stumps, Day 1 Highlights: Rohit Sharma & Virat Kohli Lead Strong Comeback
The first day of the first Test between India and Australia in Nagpur saw a thrilling display of batting, with India ending the day on a strong 339/6, despite a shaky start.
Early Setback and Rohit Sharma's Resurgence:
India's innings began with an early setback, losing KL Rahul for just 20 runs. However, Rohit Sharma stepped up and took charge, anchoring the innings with a brilliant century. He shared a crucial 121-run partnership with Virat Kohli, guiding India to a strong position before being dismissed for 120.
Virat Kohli's Stellar Return:
Virat Kohli, playing his 100th Test match, showcased his class and experience, hitting a magnificent 122 off 148 balls. He was particularly impressive in his ability to rotate strike and punish loose deliveries, adding much-needed stability to the Indian innings.
Late Wickets and a Strong Finish:
Towards the end of the day, India lost a few quick wickets, including those of Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shreyas Iyer. However, a crucial 57-run partnership between Suryakumar Yadav (69*) and Axar Patel (39*) ensured India finished the day on a strong note.
Key Takeaways:
- Rohit Sharma's resurgence: After a shaky start, Rohit Sharma showed his class with a well-deserved century, guiding India through a difficult phase.
- Virat Kohli's milestone performance: Virat Kohli celebrated his 100th Test match with a magnificent century, proving he remains a force to be reckoned with.
- Youngsters deliver: Suryakumar Yadav and Axar Patel's late partnership helped India finish the day strong, showcasing their potential for the future.
- Australia's bowling struggle: The Australian bowlers struggled to consistently challenge the Indian batsmen, particularly in the second session.
Day 2 Preview:
With India in a dominant position, Day 2 promises to be exciting. The Australian bowlers will need to find a way to break the Indian partnership and restrict the flow of runs. On the other hand, India will look to build on their strong foundation and put up a challenging total.
The first day of the first Test between India and Australia in Nagpur has set the stage for an exciting series. With India's strong finish, the battle for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy promises to be a fierce one.
