With his latest coveted three-figure mark, the right-handed Indian opener Rohit Sharma became first Indian player to score hundreds in each of the three formats as skipper. This is Sharma’s just the third Test as Indian skipper (46th overall). His illustrious predecessors Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni could not achieve the milestone in spite of leading the side in more than 100 matches put together. Sharma scored his maiden ODI century as skipper against Sri Lanka on December 13, 2017 in Mohali. Leading the team in absence of Virat, Sharma went on to score an unbeaten 208. His first (and only) Twenty20 ton as captain also came against the Lankans when he made 118 on December 22, 2017 in Indore. Rohit life at Jamtha came a full circle. He was all set to make his debut versus SA in 2009-10 series but just 15 minutes prior to the toss he twisted his ankle. He then had to wait long for his Test debut (2013 against WI at Eden gardens Kolkata). And, now here he was leading the side with example. With power (read captaincy) comes responsibility, and with reputed batters failing at the opposite end (Rahul, Pujara, Kohli, Surya), the skipper dropped anchor, played sensible cricket. However, Sharma failed to capitalise on a life offered to him by Steve Smith in first over bowled with second new ball. His opposite number Pat Cummins sent the batter’s off stick cart-wheeling on a fuller next ball. This was Sharma’s first Test hundred against Aussies. His previous best was 63 not out in Melbourne in 2018. 

 

 

 

 

EVERYBODY loves antics. And cricket fans are no different. Nagpur’s cricket lovers gave standing ovation to Rohit Sharma after the batter completed his century. But the loudest cheers were reserved for the style of celebration that is synonymous with Ravindra Jadeja only. The left-handed batter’s sword-wielding celebration after he scored his 18th Test fifty at Jamtha, pumped up the crowd and the vociferous support multiplied his joy. 

 

 

In India, Murphy (a radio brand) brings to mind picture of a toddler. But on Friday, there was a different Todd(ler) Murphy who made top Indian batsmen dance to his tunes. The young off-spinner, making his debut in Test cricket, took a five-wicket haul for a great beginning. He became the second Australian bowler to take 5 wickets on debut at Jamtha after Australian Jason Krejza, who also belonged to the same breed, took eight innings in the first innings in 2008 that was also the first-ever Test at Jamtha. Before Murphy, three Australian players including Peter Taylor (6-78) vs Eng Sydney 1986-87, Krejza 8-215 vs Ind Nagpur 2008-09 and Nathan Lyon 5-34 vs SL Galle 2011 claimed five-wicket hauls on debut. 

 

 

In cricket, sometimes a poor ball can end your stay in the middle. Even harmless full tosses have tuned out to be wicket-taking deliveries. After lunch on Day Two, debutant Murphy bowled a rank bad delivery. It was pitched way down the leg side but Virat Kohli in his attempt to flick the ball got a faint edge that as gobbled up by stumper Carey on his second attempt. Bad ball, poor shot selection but superb keeping. Kohli had to return. sddsdssd