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India captain Rohit Sharma‘s patchy form in red-ball cricket persisted as he managed just three runs in the tour game against the Australia Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra on Sunday, December 1. The game, initially planned as a multi-day fixture, was shortened to a 46-over affair due to incessant rain across the first two days.
Rohit Sharma’s struggle with the bat
After coming in at No. 4 following KL Rahul’s precautionary retirement, Rohit appeared intent on settling in against a disciplined bowling attack. He cautiously negotiated Charlie Anderson’s probing lines early on, leaving deliveries outside the off-stump and working the odd single. However, his determination was short-lived. In the 21st over, Anderson tempted him with a full-length delivery outside off, inducing a loose drive away from his body. The resulting thick edge flew to the first slip, where Oliver Davies took a sharp catch, leaving Rohit visibly frustrated.
Here’s the video:
GOOD AFTERNOON MITRON.
VICTIM OF BRUTAL BOWLING.💔 pic.twitter.com/yacrvKs5XK
— Rathore (@exBCCI_) December 1, 2024
Also READ: Here are the updated WTC 2023-25 standings after England’s win over New Zealand in Christchurch Test
Australia Prime Minister’s XI rally behind Sam Konstas’ brilliance
In the first innings, Sam Konstas stood out with a commanding 107 off just 97 balls, providing the backbone of the Prime Minister’s XI’s competitive total of 240. His innings featured 14 boundaries, blending aggression and composure to counter the Indian bowlers effectively. Jack Clayton (40) and Hanno Jacobs (61) offered crucial support, though wickets fell at regular intervals. India’s bowlers maintained discipline, with Harshit Rana leading the charge. Rana’s fiery spell of 4/44 highlighted his knack for breakthroughs, while Mohammed Siraj‘s economical opening spell and Washington Sundar’s clever variations played key roles in restricting the opposition.
Indian batters shine in a clinical chase
Chasing a target of 241, the Indian batters showcased their depth and composure under lights. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s brisk 45 provided early momentum, complemented by a steady 50 not out from Shubman Gill, who retired out to allow game time for others. Rahul, who also retired hurt earlier, contributed a fluent 27 not out. Nitish Kumar Reddy’s entertaining 42 off 32 balls injected pace into the chase, while Washington Sundar’s unbeaten 42 ensured a comfortable six-wicket victory with overs to spare. For the Prime Minister’s XI, Anderson (2/30) and Lloyd Pope (1/47) were the only bowlers to make inroads. The Indians’ dominant batting display, coupled with disciplined bowling, provided a strong statement ahead of their Test series, even as concerns over Rohit’s form linger.
