India vs Australia: “Test cricket at its best” – Virat Kohli lauds India’s performance on Day 2

Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli

India ended Day 2 of the second Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on top after a commanding century by the visitors’ skipper Ajinkya Rahane. Beginning the day on 36/1 and trailing by 159 runs after bowling Australia out for 195, India stitched together a lot of useful partnerships. Shubman Gill and Cheteshwar Pujara looked promising in their stay and laid a good foundation.
Rahane was then involved in decent stands with Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant and finally Ravindra Jadeja. In the process, he scored an authoritative century off 195 balls. India finished the day on 277/5, 82 runs ahead with Rahane and Jadeja still at the crease unbeaten on a 100-run partnership. Despite the absence of skipper Virat Kohli who left for India on ‘paternity leave’, India showed no signs of missing him as stand-in skipper Rahane was at his best.
‘Top knock from Jinks’ – Virat Kohli
Following the Day’s play, Indian captain Virat Kohli took to Twitter to express his satisfaction with the team’s performance. He wrote, “Another great day for us. Proper test cricket at its best. Absolutely top knock from Jinks.” Just like Virat Kohli, the Indian camp is bound to be excited for what lies ahead as they are in a position of great promise.
Ajinkya Rahane (104*) and Ravindra Jadeja (40*) will resume proceedings on Day 3 after the last few minutes of the second day were washed out due to rain. If India can a lead in excess of 150, it would hold them in good stead to win the Test and level the series with two more matches to go.
Nevin Clinton
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