Australia vs India 2018-19, 1st Test: 5 Talking Points from Day 1

#4 Rohit Sharma's costly error

Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma, who is one of the greatest of his generation when it comes to playing the white ball, has forever been doubted for his ability against the red ball. That was also the reason why, despite making ODI and T20I debuts in 2007, he had to wait for another six years for his maiden opportunity with the red ball.

But the doubts have continued across the length of Rohit's Test career till date. Earlier this year, a row of dismal performances in South Africa saw an axe falling on his possible chances at England, where a majority of the batsmen failed, leading to his recall for the current Aussie series.

And what Rohit should have ideally done, is to play an innings that would quash all the piling doubts on his ability, and thereby cement his spot in the side. As we all know, India has a tendency for collapses, and playing an extra batsman should hence prove to be a vital move.

But what if he too collapses? That is exactly what Rohit did today, after making us believe for a long while - that he is indeed fit to play the red ball. And that, in turn, makes it more disappointing.

In the 45-run stand between Pujara and Rohit, the former accounted for just 8 runs in 45 balls, while the latter amassed 37 runs in 61 balls, including 2 fours and 3 sixes. It was in the 38th over that Nathan Lyon struck. Rohit was ready for him, and had even belted a maximum in the most recent ball. And he probably wanted to unsettle the bowler.

But one simply does not slog in Test Cricket and hope for the best. Rohit learnt that the hard way after holing out to debutant Marcus Harris at deep square leg. And the sadder fact is that, this is not the first time that Rohit threw away his wicket after getting a start. Batting at number six, when the rest of the side's better batting half is already back in the hut, risky shots like these are unpardonable.