Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara Slam Half Centuries Against Cricket Australia XI, India All Out for 358 in First Innings: Watch Video Highlights
After rain washed out the first day, the sun shone brightly at Sydney Cricket Ground on the second day. And it just wasn’t the weather that was bright, the Indian batting line-up, barring KL Rahul, shone brightly during their first innings too!
Indian skipper Virat Kohli, and Cheteshwar Pujara scored brilliant half-centuries in the practise match against Cricket Australia XI, on Thursday. After rain washed out the first day, the sun shone brightly at Sydney Cricket Ground on the second day, where India is playing a 4-day match. And it just wasn’t the weather conditions that were bright, the Indian batting line-up, barring KL Rahul, shone brightly during the first innings of the match too, on Thursday.
Virat Kohli scored 64 runs in 87 balls during his stay at the crease. Kohli hit 7 spectacular fours, and a six in his innings, which was an excellent display of the marvellous form that he is in. India vs Australia 2018: 5 Records & Stats You Need to Know Ahead of the IND vs AUS Test Series.
Watch Video: Virat Kohli reaches his half-century against Cricket Australia XI!
However, Kohli was dismissed way too easily than what the Aussies would have imagined. The right-handed batsman mistimed a shot and was caught out by the 19-year-old bowler (Aaron Hardie) himself.
Watch Video Highlights: Virat Kohli scores a half-century against Cricket Australia XI:
On the other hand, Cheteshwar Pujara played a masterful inning too. Pujara’s stay at the crease was shaky initially, after an inside edge met the boundary ropes; however, his strokeplay improved as the match progressed. Aim is to Win a Series, Players Thinking Ahead of Personal Milestones, Says Ishant Sharma.
The right-handed batsman scored a fluent 54 runs in his innings which was studded with 6 fours. However, he was bowled by Luke Robins, as he failed to read the line of the delivery!
Watch Video Highlights: Cheteshwar Pujara hits a half-century against Cricket Australia XI:
Earlier, Prithvi Shaw hit a fine half-century too. The youngster has all but finalised his spot in the playing XI after he hit 66 runs in only 69 balls. Shaw hit 11 boundaries during his first innings in Australia, and nowhere one could see any sign of nervousness on the face of the 19-year-old!
As the day two was nearing its end, India were all out after they put 358 runs on the scoreboard. After a delighting start in the first half, India lost 5 wickets for 42 runs in the last 10 overs of the day, faltering to the second new ball.
It will be an exciting third day at the Sydney Cricket Ground for the fans, and as much important for the Indian bowlers. Stay tuned with us for all the latest updates about India vs Australia Test Series 2018-19!
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 29, 2018 12:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).