Former Australian pacer Glenn McGrath is all impressed with the new determined Ajinkya Rahane in the ongoing Boxing Day Test Match. His statement was the reaction to Rahane’s gritty knock on day two of India’s innings. The day ended with India leading by 82 runs at the loss of five wickets.
Leading in absence of Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane was praised for his captaincy after Indian bowlers bundled out Australia on day one for 195 runs. Cricket boffins were impressed with the way the stand-in captain placed the tricky field and bowlers performed.
On Sunday, Rahane showcased his class with the bat. As the other end lost wickets in intervals, he held the other end to frustrate and put pressure on Australian bowlers. He was lucky at times but he made sure that he capitalized on all the opportunities. With patience, he stitched crucial fifty-plus stands with Hanuma Vihari and Rishabh Pant.
For the sixth wicket, Ravindra Jadeja joined him and both went to stitch 100 plus partnership. And in the process, Rahane scored his hundred in the MCG, which was his 12th hundred in Tests. His innings would have undoubtedly boosted the confidence and is enough to forget about the embarrassing defeat in Pink ball.
He is enjoying being captain I think: Glenn McGrath
Legendary Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath said he felt that Ajinkya Rahane is relishing his role as captain and looked more determined
“Rahane has looked good, chance free. He is enjoying being captain I think. Rahane, the way he has batted today, he has just looked solid. He is focused even more than what he was in Adelaide. I guess being captain, it just helps you do that,” Glenn McGrath told Sony Six.
Ravindra Jadeja and Ajnikya Rahane will continue batting on Day two to get the lead of above 100.