New Delhi: The fourth Test between India and Australia has started in Ahmedabad. By the end of the first day’s play, Australia has scored 255 runs losing 4 wickets. Usman Khawaja is unbeaten on 104 and Cameron Green on 49. Australia is currently looking in a strong position, but a decision by captain Rohit Sharma on the first day is also being criticized. In fact, Rohit opted to take the new ball after the 80th over, after which Khawaja and Green scored quick runs. India’s experienced wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik has questioned this decision of Rohit Sharma. Karthik believes that Rohit has done well to bring India back in the match every time, but he missed it in the closing stages of the day.
Decision to take new ball is not right
Karthik said on Cricbuzz – His captaincy was better for a large part of the day. He was active in field placing. He didn’t use the usual method of keeping silly point, short leg. He kept things tight consistently. After the first hour he got 4 wickets. Then in the middle he fielded tight against Smith and Khawaja and didn’t give them easy boundaries, but I think it was not a good decision to take the new ball at that time. Later he should have looked back. He should have asked should I have bowled 9 overs with it?
Stumps on Day 1️⃣ of the Fourth #INDvAUS Test!
2️⃣ wickets in the final session as Australia finish the opening day with 255/4 on board.
We will be back tomorrow as another action-packed day awaits💪
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/8DPghkx0DE#INDvAUS | @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/hdRZrif7HC
— BCCI (@BCCI) March 9, 2023
Akshar Patel interesting case study
Karthik further said- Akshar Patel is a very interesting case study in Rohit Sharma’s captaincy so far. They have got the 2 pillars of Indian cricket in Jadeja and Ashwin and they are giving them copious amounts of overs, but where is Axar Patel as the third spinner in the mix? We have seen him doing well with the new ball, at least if you have got the new ball, did he get a chance to bowl? He has the bounce, it’s his home conditions. DK further said- Also we have to remember that as a captain when you have 3 spinners, it is always difficult because spinners bowl longer spells. Although I will not blame Rohit too much for this, but is there anything that Rohit can do to change in Test matches, which will help the spinners.
