India vs England 2020-21, 2nd Test: Rohit Sharma's 161 propels India to 300 at stumps on Day 1

India is involved in a tedious four-Test series against England for the Anthony de Mello Trophy. Having lost the opening Test, India is looking to turn things around in the second Test, in Chennai. However, as of now, the host is off to a diverse start.

On Saturday, India rode on mixed luck against England on Day 1 of the second Test for the Anthony de Mello Trophy, at the MA Chidambaram (Chepauk) Stadium in Chennai. While senior opener, Rohit Sharma played a commendable knock of 161, the visitor struck late, as India finished on 300 at stumps.

At the toss, India won it, as skipper Virat Kohli decided to bat first. While the host made three changes to its side, England made four, surprisingly, to rest some veteran players, and based on the conditions, which are tide different from the first.

As Rohit came out to bat along with young opener Shubman Gill, the latter was dismissed early in the second over, after being trapped leg-before for an unfortunate duck, off pacer Olly Stone. Nonetheless, Rohit and Cheteshwar Pujara were then the pair who contributed to an 85-run stand for the second wicket.

It was during this course when Rohit brought up his 13th Test half-century. However, Pujara fell for 21 to spinner Jack Leach, after edging it to Ben Stokes in the slips.

Out came Kohli, but could play just five deliveries, before sinner Moeen Ali bowled him up for an unfortunate duck. Since then, Rohit and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane have taken control of the innings, as the pair have contributed 20 until lunch.

As the pair resumed post-lunch, they batted in a composed manner, while Rohit brought up his eighth Test century in the process. While Rahane duly supported him, the pair has contributed 103 runs for the fourth wicket and seems to be in complete control at tea.

The post-tea session saw Rohit and Rahane continue steadily, at the score of 189. While Rohit brought up his fourth 150 in the format, Rahane scored his 24th Test half-century.

The pair contributed to a 162-run stand for the fourth wicket, before Rohit fell for 161 to Leach, as an attempt to pull saw him getting caught by Moeen at deep square leg, at the score of 248. Just a run later, Rahane followed him back, for 67, after being bowled up by Moeen.

It was followed by a 35-run stand between Rishabh Pant and Ravichandran Ashwin, before the latter departed for mere 13 to English skipper, Joe Root, after being caught by Ollie Pope. Pant and debutant Axar Patel batted out for the rest of the session and reached the 300-run mark at stumps.

As for the English bowlers, six of them have been utilised, with Leach and Moeen being the most effective. Meanwhile, Root has been the most economical of all.
Brief scores: India 300/6 (Rohit 161, Rahane 67; Leach 2/78) vs England.