Rahul got off to a nervous start on debut.
© AFP
Lokesh Rahul faced baptism by fire on his Test debut against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The 22-year-old walked in to bat with India strongly placed at 409/4 but managed only 3 off eight deliveries. (Highlights | Scorecard )
�
Rahul had drawn plenty of attention even before his selection for the Test series vs Australia. His twin tons for South Zone in the Duleep Trophy final against Central, sent out a timely reminder to the national selectors. It was an apt reward for a man who was the second-highest run scorer in 2013-14, with 1158 runs at 52.63. Rahul played crucial knocks as Karnataka won the Ranji Trophy title last season. (Kohli-Johnson Verbal Battle Spices up Day 3 )
�
However, Test cricket and especially against Australia, is a different proposition altogether. Rahul had walked in after Ajinkya Rahane departed for 147, having added 262 for the fourth wicket with Virat Kohli. It was the highest partnership for India outside the subcontinent in 10 years and the Aussies had their tails up after breaking the mammoth stand. (Kohli Eyes Rare Win vs Australia )
�
Rahul started on a confident note, flicking away a flighted delivery past short leg for a single, his first run in Test cricket. The next two balls were defended and Rahul showed no hesitance drawing forward.
�
The debutant was back on strike again against Lyon and this time for some reason, he seemed intent on taking Australia's best bowler on. Rahul danced down the track for a wristy flick but Peter Siddle dropped a simple chance at midwicket. (Rahane Hammers Maiden Ton in Australia )
�
Kohli, batting at the other end had some ready advise for the nervy youngster. "If you want to hit it, give it all," the Indian deputy seemed to gesture to Rahul.
�
Batting with over 1000 runs behind him in the last Ranji season , Rahul tried to sweep one that hit the rough and was pitched well outside off stump� to give Josh Hazlewood a simple catch at backward square leg.
�
The commentators gasped at the strange little innings. There was a lot expected from Rahul even in his maiden knock for India. Such was the hype around him. Nonetheless, he can take heart from the fact that Rahane, who is now a permanent feature in the middle order, had got out to an equally horrible shot on his own debut, against the same team last year.
0 comments:
Post a Comment