Skipper Rohit Sharma scored a masterful hundred against Australia on Day 2, putting India in the driver’s seat in the first Test being played at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.
Rohit scored his ninth Test century off 171 balls, his eighth on home soil, and his first as a captain. His century was a milestone, and he joined the club of Babar Azam, Faf du Plessis, and Tillakaratne Dilshan to become the fourth batsman to hit centuries in all formats as a captain.
The Indian skipper and night watchman Ravichandran Ashwin started the day’s proceedings carefully. Todd Murphy, a debutant Australian spinner, was the pick of the bowlers.
The off break spinner troubled all the Indian batters and got rid of Ashwin, Pujara, and Kohli in quick succession on the second day. Suryakumar Yadav was bowled by Nathan Lyon.
Once again, the Indian middle order crumbled. It was expected that Pujara and Kohli would play long innings, but both batters failed against Murphy.
Ravindra Jadeja and Rohit Sharma added 58 runs together. They are unbeaten on the crease. After taking five wickets in the Australian innings, Jadeja has applied himself judiciously and has been giving Rohit ample support.
At tea, India is in a strong position, scoring 226 for five. Rohit and Jadeja are unbeaten on 118 and 36, respectively, and are hoping to take a big lead in the first innings and put pressure on the visitors.