IND vs AUS 2022-23: India finished Day 1 of the opening Nagpur Test against Australia on top across departments. While Ravindra Jadeja dominated with the ball, Rohit Sharma shone with the bat, thanks to his 15th Test half-century.
Team India has been on a roll in the longest format, and the side again displayed it on Day 1 of the opening Test against Australia for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Being played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium in Nagpur on Thursday, the hosts finished the day on top, dominating across departments. While leg-spinner Ravindra Jadeja rattled the visitors with the ball, skipper-cum-opener Rohit Sharma struck his 15th Test half-century to help his side finish the day on top.
Fifty for Rohit Sharma, 51* from 66 balls, he has been fantastic as an opener.
Captain leading from front, Ro. pic.twitter.com/r4M9pzLbul
After winning the toss and opting to bat, The Australians were restricted to a paltry total of 177. Besides Jadeja, veteran off-spinners Ravichandran Ashwin also bagged three wickets, while seamers Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami also scalped a wicket each, dismantling the Aussies. Only four batters reached the double-figure mark for the visitors, while Marnus Labuschagne (49) was the top scorer.
Innings of the highest quality from Rohit Sharma. Captain is leading from the front. Makes batting look so easy. Hit a ton on a turner v England in Chennai in 2021
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang)Fifty by Rohit Sharma in 66 balls - the captain has taken the charge to score quick runs, a brilliant innings by Rohit. pic.twitter.com/INK7b1NYSC
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra)The Indians were off to a good start, with Rohit (56*) and KL Rahul (20) putting on a 76-run opening partnership before the latter was caught and bowled off the debuting off-spinner Todd Murphy. Ashwin came out as the night watchman, as he and Rohit batted out the final over of the day, with India being at 77/1 at stumps and trailing by 100 runs.
🔥 LEADING FROM THE FRONT! Skipper Rohit brings up his 15th Test fifty with a stylish knock.
🙌 Well played, Skip!
📷 BCCI • pic.twitter.com/XuzHR0rd3q
So far, Rohit has faced 69 deliveries, hitting nine fours and a six at a strike rate of 81.16. Four bowlers have been utilised for the Kangaroos, while pacer Scott Boland has also been economically practical. However, skipper-cum-pacer Pat Cummins was the most expensive of all, giving away 27 at 6.80 in just four overs.
Captain Rohit Sharma has completed 250 sixes in India 🇮🇳. Complete domination by Hitman 💪. pic.twitter.com/AEsEFhkaWJ
— Vishal. (@SPORTYVISHAL)