Australia vs India 2018-19, 2nd Test: 5 talking points from Day 2

#4 Rahane 2.0

After the fall of Pujara’s wicket, both Mitchell Starc and Australia had their tails up, looking determined to pursue the short ball strategy. But out came India’s vice-captain, Ajinkya Rahane, with different plans.

Rahane played a pull shot off the third ball he faced. Though he didn’t time it well, he was able to clear the in-field and was rightly commended by the commentators on the air for his intent.

Rahane built on this intent and played his shots whenever the ball was there for the taking. He cut anything wide and short, and scored the first six of the match - and also the first at the Optus stadium.

Rahane’s counter-attack put Starc out of the attack and hampered Australia’s plans with the short stuff. He also brought up his second half-century of the series.

Rahane’s attacking attitude was on display even in the first match at Adelaide. Instead of going about things in his normal monotonous fashion, Rahane seems to have a set plan as to how to go about his run-scoring Down Under.

This positive outlook is a welcome sight for Indian fans at a time when India’s batting, other than Virat Kohli, has been under the scanner.