Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane were the star performers for India as they lead the fightback for the visitors on Day 2 of the second Test match against Australia at the Perth stadium on Saturday.
With India losing both of their openers early on the green top pitch, it was the partnership between Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara that steadied the innings. With Pujara losing his wicket after a patient knock of 24 (103 balls), Rahane joined the skipper out in the middle.
At stumps, Kohli and Rahane remained unbeaten on 82 and 51 respectively with the visitors posting 172/3 in reply to Australia’s first innings total of 326.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
High praise for the fight that India have shown today after being 2 wickets for 8 runs. @imVkohli unbelievable! @ajinkyarahane88 exceptional! 🏏👏🏻
— Michael Clarke (@MClarke23) December 15, 2018
Good fightback by India after being 8-2. Admirable grit by Pujara and a very important partnership between Kohli and Rahane. Hope these two continue to bat solidly tomorrow. #AusvInd pic.twitter.com/VFg8ETDJMN
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) December 15, 2018
Excellent cricket and batsmanship of the highest quality from Kohli and Rahane. Australia never flagged and that added to the intensity
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) December 15, 2018
The big thing or difference I have noticed.. is that the Indian batsmen read length better .. particularly Kohli, Pujara and Rahane.. simple footwork..
— Dean Jones AM (@ProfDeano) December 15, 2018
Top knock by @ajinkyarahane88. With masterly Kohli as anchor, India’s much-vaunted middle order pulling the team out of trouble and into a position of strength if the current pair remains unseparated till close
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) December 15, 2018
Fantastic innings so far from Virat Kohli and great support from Rahane. Has been some great viewing for a Test Match Cricket lover. Grit, fight and exemplary courage #AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/hoVQ13dDvK
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) December 15, 2018
https://twitter.com/MitchJohnson398/status/1073878305567256576
Incredible fightback from India. Both Kohli & Rahane taking the game to Australia and bedding in for the contest. Thoughts on the pitch? #AUSvIND
— Isa Guha (@isaguha) December 15, 2018
Well done @imVkohli and @ajinkyarahane88 great partnership.. keep going guys..#INDvsAUS test series
— Harbhajan Turbanator (@harbhajan_singh) December 15, 2018
Great batsmanship from Kohli and tremendous support from Rahane. Unbeaten 90 run partnership and these two will hold the key tomorrow. Looks set to be an exciting test match #AusvInd pic.twitter.com/xktr9XTsVh
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) December 15, 2018
After Anderson’s acid test in England, Virat must find everything so much easier, like even today’s Australian bowling on a temperamental pitch.#AUSvIND
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) December 15, 2018
Virat Kohli… batting like only he can… on this pitch! #AusvInd
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) December 15, 2018
So much negativity on Social Media on India's chances when they started batting. This team is a bit different. Dependency on Pujara, Rahane and Kohli was there but that is how most teams operate. All three have delivered with Kohli leading the way again. #AUSvsIND
— Gaurav Sundararaman (@gaurav_sundar) December 15, 2018
India played very well today and this game is set up beautifully. Well played both teams, wicket played better today and looking forward to day 3 @MacquarieSport calling the action from 10.20 WST @cricketcomau @Beva3AW
— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) December 15, 2018
Magnificent day of Test Cricket … bloody loved it … Still rather be in the Aussie camp … Just … #AUSvIND #Perth
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) December 15, 2018
