[Watch] Rohit Sharma 'Fails' Again England Put India Under Pressure In Run-Chase
Rohit Sharma's promising knock met a disappointing end (Twitter)
In a massive moment of the ongoing first Test in the five-match series against England, Indian captain Rohit Sharma's innings was cut short at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. The well-settled Rohit, who had been stitching a promising knock, fell prey to the bowling of England's Tom Hartley for 39 runs.
IND vs ENG: Hartley sent Rohit Sharma packing for 39
The dismissal unfolded in the 18th over, a moment that tilted the match in England's favour. Hartley, bowling his signature off-break, delivered a ball that surprisingly didn't turn as anticipated. Rohit, expecting spin, moved forward to defend but was beaten by the ball's straight trajectory.
The ball struck him on the front pad, directly in line with the stumps, leaving a conspicuous gap between bat and ball. Despite opting for a Decision Review System (DRS) challenge, the ball-tracking technology confirmed the inevitable, showing the ball hitting the middle stump.
Hartley's delivery marked his third wicket of the innings, having previously sent back opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill for 15 and a duck, respectively. This performance marked a significant turnaround for the debutant Hartley, who, despite claiming two wickets in the first innings, had conceded 131 runs in his 25 overs. His second innings has painted a different picture, showcasing his ability to adapt and overcome a difficult start.
Rohit's innings, filled with seven boundaries, ended just as he seemed to be settling in for a big score. His dismissal has left India in an uncertain position in the match. At the time of writing this article, India's score is 65/3 after 19 overs. The team faces a challenging target, requiring another 166 runs to win, with batsmen KL Rahul and Axar Patel at the crease.
Hartley's remarkable comeback in the second innings has undeniably put England in a dominant position, especially after they had conceded a 190-run lead earlier in the match. His performance will be a key factor in England's pursuit of a victory in this crucial opening Test.