KEY MOMENTS FROM DAY 2
A brief summary of how Day 2 of the third Test between India and Australia panned out at Ranchi on Friday:
A DAY WITHOUT KOHLI
He came down the stairs, walked up to the players, had a brief chat with Anil Kumble and selector Devang Gandhi and left after waving to the crowd. Virat Kohli’s presence on the ground was a blink-and-miss affair on Friday as he continued to be confined to the dressing room. But given how many runs Australia have put on the board, Kohli needs to be back to full fitness as soon as possible.
STEVE SMITH THE MENTOR
Steve Smith missed out on a deserved double century but his 178 was worth its weight in gold because of the way he shepherded his team despite the odd hiccup. Smith’s was an almost chanceless innings with not a single six. But with 17 boundaries, 85 singles, 11 twos and a three, he showed the virtues of playing risk-free cricket and building partnerships.
MATTHEW WADE’S BREEZY 37
Matthew Wade came in at a time Australia were probably looking forward to some fireworks from centurion Glenn Maxwell. Wade is no Maxwell but he gave the momentum needed to take Australia close to the 400-run mark. He used his feet well to the spinners and swept often to score a 50-ball 37. However, he was done in by Ravindra Jadeja, who had him caught behind to a delivery that spun only an inch. The wicket-keeper played for turn but the ball went the other way.
JADEJA’S DHONI MOMENT
MS Dhoni is in Delhi for the Vijay Hazare Trophy but trust Ravindra Jadeja to give Ranchi a glimpse of what they are missing. Steve Smith called No 11 Josh Hazlewood for a risky second run after nudging Jadeja towards fine-leg. KL Rahul’s throw was off target but Jadeja moved in front of the stumps and back-flicked to hit the stumps in one quick motion. The crowd celebrated with a roar.
RAHUL’S UNFAZED RUN
KL Rahul was unfortunate to miss out on a century in Bangalore. He again missed, one that was for the taking in Ranchi. But it won’t make him change the way he bats. Rahul is from the stable of fearless batting, with a crisp technique that made his shots, especially those through the covers, pleasing to the eye. When Pat Cummins caught him unawares with a slow bouncer, Rahul had struck nine boundaries in a 102-ball 67, giving India a perfect start with M Vijay.