Australia vs India 2018-19: First Test, Day 3: 5 Talking Points

#5 Rahane coming in to face the final few balls of the day

In any context, given that a set batsman has departed with the day's closing looming over, team generally decides to send in a lower-order batsman as night-watchman to see out the last few balls and avoid any contingency with a top-order batsman's chances.

With Virat Kohli dismissed by Nathan Lyon with just 23 balls remaining, it would have been practical for India to let in either Ashwin or someone lower to him, to finish up the game.

But instead, India's No.5 Ajinkya Rahane decided to take up the risk himself and got to the middle, where he batted through 15 balls and scored a run, carrying India through with no damages, alongside Pujara.

Renowned expert Harsha Bhogle also observed that was very welcoming of the Mumbai batsman to play instead of "seeking refuge behind" a nightwatchman. Rahane has a lot to prove on his talent and skill, and he has to make sure that he stays on for much longer on Day 4 and also forge a good partnership with Pujara if he has to stand his own case and Team India's as well, in the match.