Former India captain Virat Kohli was in his typically animated form before briefly stepping into the role of captain once again, guiding regular captain Rohit Sharma and Mohammed Siraj with his suggestions to break the first-wicket partnership between Nathan McSweeney and Marnus Labuschagne during the third session of the first day’s play in the second Test at the Adelaide Oval.
The incident took place in the 17th over of Australia’s first innings, where Kohli was seen conversing with Rohit, after which he instructed Siraj to alter the field placement. Both the bowler and captain promptly agreed to his suggestion.
At that point, McSweeney and Labuschagne had already added 62 runs for the first wicket and were looking increasingly dangerous, with Australia in control after India was bowled out for just 180 in their first innings.
The opening duo remained unbeaten at the end of the day’s play, leaving Australia in a commanding position at 86 for 1.
India, having won the toss and opted to bat first, suffered an early blow when Yashasvi Jaiswal was dismissed off the first ball of the Test. Shubman Gill and KL Rahul then weathered the early storm, guiding India to 69 without further loss.
Looks like Virat Kohli took the charge of captaincy while Rohit Sharma is seen not interested in his job. 👀#INDvsAUS #AUSvIND#SpotifyWrapped2024
— Adri Sharma (@viraltweet___) December 6, 2024
#AshtalakshmiMahotsav pic.twitter.com/IaV42dOeQu
However, Mitchell Starc had other plans, breaking the partnership, and from there, India kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Nitish Kumar Reddy, with a fighting 42 off 54 balls, was the lone bright spot, helping India reach a somewhat respectable total in the first innings.
