Image: Nathan McSweeney got an early reprieve thanks to the slips of Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant / © Mint
India endured a frustrating moment on Day 1 of the second Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Adelaide when a miscommunication between skipper Rohit Sharma and wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant denied them a vital breakthrough. With Australia chasing India’s modest first-innings total of 180, the missed opportunity allowed opener Nathan McSweeney to escape early in his innings.
The chance came during the seventh over, bowled by Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah delivered a short-of-length ball outside off-stump, enticing McSweeney into an attempted defensive shot. The ball took a sharp outside edge and flew towards Pant’s right. The wicketkeeper lunged in an attempt to catch the ball, managing only a fingertip deflection.
Watch the video here:
The deflection altered the ball’s trajectory, sending it towards Rohit Sharma at first slip. Startled by the unexpected angle, the Indian captain failed to react in time, and the ball struck his wrist. Replays suggested that had Pant not gone for the catch, the ball might have landed safely in Sharma’s hands.
The incident left Rohit mumbling in discomfort, though he managed to continue fielding. For India, it was a painful moment, as early wickets could have been crucial after their batting collapse. With McSweeney surviving, the Indian bowlers were left with a steeper challenge as Australia aimed to capitalize on this second chance.