Rohit Sharma masterclass puts India in driving seat at lunch
Rohit plays a shot [Associated Press]
This was a long time coming, but finally Rohit Sharma got his mojo back in the Test format. The Nagpur pitch was a hot topic before the start of the first day, and the Australian media took no stones unturned to rattle the Indians.
But Rohit, known for his fluidity, played a sublime knock and showed it to the visitors how to bat on a track which assisted the spinners. It was as if the Indian skipper was batting on a different track altogether and got ample support in the form of R Ashwin, who was promoted at number three after the fall of KL Rahul on Day 1.
Australia kept the pressure with spinners bowling in tandems, but it had no effect on the way Rohit and Ashwin batted. Sharp turns were there to keep lbw and bat-pad catches in play, but nothing really worked in favours of the Aussies.
With nothing working for the visitors, Cummins decided to bring the short ball ploy in action. Rohit Sharma has the tendency to get dismissed trying to pull a short-pitched ball, and Cummins bowled a couple of bumpers, and one of them was even dispatched over the deep square boundary.
Ashwin, who looked composed for his well-compiled 23,, was trapped lbw by the debutant - Todd Murphy. Murphy threatened to scalp wickets with his around the wicket angle, and eventually got the reward in the form of Ashwin.
Rohit also survived a close lbw call, as Murphy continued to ask questions to the Indian batters.
Pujara, who looked good for his brief stay, played a loose shot and looked gutted with it. He went for a sweep and failed to keep it down as the short fine fielder took an easy catch.
Kohli has joined Rohit at the crease, and the senior pros will look to consolidate the Indian innings after two quick wickets.
Brief Score
India: 151-3 (52)
Rohit Sharma 85* (142), R Ashwin 23 (62)
Todd Murphy 3-35 (15)
 "Anurag Dasgupta")
