Australia performed well on Day 2 of the first BGT Test against India at Nagpur on February 10. It wasn’t enough, though, as the hosts built a commanding advantage of 144 runs with three wickets left in their second innings. Rohit Sharma, India’s captain, picked up where he left off on the first day and scored his first hundred in a Test match as a captain. Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel established an impressive 81-run partnership to keep the momentum going after losing several wickets cheaply in the middle overs.
After Day 2 of the first Test against Australia, India has three primary questions that need to be answered.
1. Should Ravindra Jadeja’s batting position be elevated?
In recent years, Ravindra Jadeja has established himself as a top Test batsman for India. While batting in the top six, both at home and away, he has scored vital runs and shown excellent defence, in addition to his ability to play big innings. On Day 2 of BGT 1st Test, Jadeja calmly scored a half-century with his continuous protection. Unfortunately for India, they moved Suryakumar Yadav ahead of the left-handed batsman so that Ravichandran Ashwin could be utilised as a nightwatchman. Most believed Jadeja would maintain his No. 5 batting position based on his effectiveness in that spot at home. Suryakumar would have had more room to attack in the batting order. Jadeja could have been useful as a speciality batter if he had been included higher in the lineup.
How about moving Jadeja up the lineup a spot or two? Unlike Suryakumar and Virat Kohli, Jadeja elicits much more confidence right now.
2. Why was Suryakumar Yadav selected over Shubman Gill?
Most people disapproved of the decision to give Suryakumar Yadav his Test debut over Gill. Not only does the batsman have a terrible first-class record, but Shubman Gill has been on fire as of late. Suryakumar’s current proficiency level in red-ball cricket was revealed on Day 2. Not long after he arrived at the crease, he smashed a slog-sweep to raise hopes of a counterattacking knock, but Nathan Lyon quickly dismissed him. Suryakumar decided to play an aerial drive away from his body against the first ball of a fresh spell from Nathan Lyon. Gill, known for his superb defensive play against spin, would never play such a risky shot.
India’s selection of Suryakumar over Gill is a wonder. What contribution does Suryakumar Yadav need to make to the Test team?
3. When will Virat Kohli regain his former Test cricket form?
Ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Virat Kohli‘s form was a significant topic of conversation. After his cheap dismissal on Day 2 of BGT 1st Test, it will continue to do so for some time. After lunch, a standard leg-lined delivery from Todd Murphy sent Kohli back to the pavilion. Virat attempted a delicate touch, but all he managed was an edge, which Alex Carey brilliantly caught. He scored only 12 runs, continuing his poor trend in the Test format. Over the past few months, Kohli has been on fire ODIs and T20Is. However, ending his dry spell in Tests is more complicated. A dismissal of India’s star player in such a manner is unacceptable.
When will Virat Kohli’s Test cricket form return to its former glory?