India played a classical test match cricket in the 3rd test at iconic Melbourne cricket ground that saw the Australian fielders get tired fielding for over one and a half day. Indian batters took the defensive approach throughout the innings and Australian bowlers had no clue to get through their defense. Even the most attacking players like Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant had strike rate under 60.
India declared their innings at 443/7 and asked Australia to bat for last six overs of the second day. However, Rohit Sharma remained unbeaten at 63 and his slow run making frustrated the Australian team.
Meanwhile, skipper Tim Paine tried to unsettle him by passing comments from behind the stumps. He animatedly challenged Rohit Sharma to hit a six and used IPL as a bait to distract him. Paine was also talking to Aaron Finch who was standing at short leg and said “Finch, you played for too many IPL teams”.
“It’s always been a toss up for me between the RR and MI, who I support.
If Rohit hits a six here I’m changing to Mumbai(Indians),” he said.
Here’s the video
Rohit didn’t lost his focus and continued to bat sensibly, notching up his half century and guiding India close to 450 runs.
Australia are currently 8/0 at the end of 2nd day’s play.
