WTC 2023 Final: Nathan Lyon ends Rohit Sharma's breezy knock to dampen Indian hopes : The Tribune India

Join Whatsapp Channel

WTC 2023 Final: Nathan Lyon ends Rohit Sharma's breezy knock to dampen Indian hopes

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma provided a brisk start for his side but his breezy innings was cut short by Nathan Lyon

Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma. (Photo Source: Alex Davidson-ICC/ICC via Getty Images and Disney+hotstar)

Australia's dominance in the ongoing World Test Championship Final against India continued after setting a daunting target for their opponents. The Asian giants needed a herculean effort from the bat if they wanted to get anywhere near that total, and Indian skipper Rohit Sharma led the charge for his side with a brisk innings.

Indian openers, Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma were under tremendous pressure when they came out to bat in the second session of the fourth day. Although the pitch had slowed down considerably from the first day, occasional uneven bounce troubled the batters every now and then. Despite the variable bounce for the pacers, India got off to a decent start with skipper Rohit Sharma playing some trademark short.

Rohit, who was the aggressor during his 41-run stand with Gill, lost his opening partner to a controversial catch in the eighth over of the chase. Despite losing his batting partner, the influential Indian skipper continued playing his shots, troubling the Australian bowlers, especially the pacers.

The Indian skipper, who has fond memories of playing at this venue, was looking set for a big score before the introduction of the veteran Australian spinner Nathan Lyon. Rohit went for an adventurous paddle shot against the offie, missing the ball completely to be caught plumb in front of the wicket. 

Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane provide a glimmer of hope for the Indian fans

It was a double whammy for the Indians as Cheteshwar Pujara also departed in the very next over, handing the initiative to the Australians. However, former Indian skipper Virat Kohli and first innings' hero Ajinkya Rahane looked in sublime touch after those two wickets and ensured that India did not suffer any more setbacks on the fourth day. It is all nicely set up for a blockbuster finish on the final day of the summit clash.

CricTracker Desk

content powered by