India vs England 2021 2nd Test, Day 1: Talking Points as Sharma-Rahane stand pulled India out of the sinking bog

India vs England 2021 2nd Test, Day 1: Talking Points as Sharma-Rahane stand pulled India out of the sinking bog
Rohit Sharma (left) and Ajinkya Rahane (right) celebrating their partnership

The second Test between India and England kicked off in Chennai where the toss favored the host country-India.

Unlike the expectations, England dominated the first session with the ball and toppled three Indian wickets.

Soon, the second session after the lunch saw sheer excellence from two India’s senior players- opener Rohit Sharma and Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane.

The last session of the opening day again saw England’s rise to the occasion after some close-necked umpiring decisions backfired Indian batsmen.

As Day 1 concluded with India at 300 with the loss of six wickets, we look at the talking points from the day’s play.

Unwanted innings start

Virat Kohli bowled
Virat Kohli bowled

Before Team India got off the mark, Shubman Gill was dismissed in an lbw England Olly Stone. Soon, Cheteshwar Pujara was dismissed at 21 and even skipper Virat Kohli was toppled on his very first ball. India were 86 at the loss of three wickets post which Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane took control of the situation.

Sharma-Rahane stand

Ajinkya Rahane (back) and Rohit Sharma (front)

After a shaky start to the innings, senior players Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane commanded Team India amid the turbulence. The duo understood the pitch dynamics and made a whopping partnership of 162 runs before Rohit Sharma was dismissed. Sharma scored a century while Rahne notched his fifty.

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Rohit Sharma celebrating his century

Rohit Sharma rusted off his previous poor performances as he played a master class and smashed 161 runs from 231 balls. In his fiery knock, he hit eighteen fours and two sixes. His batting primarily dominated the sweep shots. He was caught by Moeen Ali while playing a lofted shot on Jack Leach’s bowling.

England bowling

Jack Leach bowling

It was a spinners day at Chepauk where Jack Leach and Moeen Ali scalped two wickets each. Ali was a little uneconomical while Leach leaked not-so-many runs. Even skipper Joe Root took one wicket while among the pacers, only Olly Stone eroded one wicket.

Also read: India vs England 2021: “I was mentally prepared before the game” – Rohit Sharma opens up on his knock on day 1