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'Shambolic': India cricket fans rage over 'nightmare' incident

Andrew Reid
·4-min read
Seen here, Ajinkya Rahane tries to call captain Virat Kohli back in a horror mix-up.
Ajinkya Rahane came under heavy criticism for running out his captain Virat Kohli. Pic: Fox Sports

Indian cricket fans have hit out in frustration at Ajinkya Rahane after a horror moment that could prove costly in the first Test against Australia.

Rahane and captain Virat Kohli had settled in well during the evening session in Adelaide, combining for a solid partnership after Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon removed India's opening three batsman.

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Kohli in particular was looking ominously like cantering towards a 28th Test century, until disaster struck for the visitors.

A schoolboy error from Rahane gifted Australia control of the day-night Test, where India slumped to 6-233 at stumps on day one.

Rahane called yes in search of a quick single during the 77th over, only to immediately realise his mistake as Josh Hazlewood swooped on the ball and tossed it to Lyon.

It was far too late to send the skipper back.

Kohli was run out, for just the second time in his 87-Test career, as he approached a fourth Test century at the venue.

Rahane, who will captain the tourists in the next three Tests after Kohli returns home for the birth of his first child, raged at himself, apologetically held out both hands then looked to the sky.

His frustration and annoyance was echoed by fans on social media, who were livid with the vice-captain for a mistake that could cost India the first Test.

"Massive wicket," Lyon said.

"He was batting extremely well as well.

"Satisfying (day) ... we can get a lot better."

Hazlewood reminded Lyon of his error in a similar situation, at Headingley last year, after the key wicket.

"It's good to be back on the board after the Ashes ... Josh ran up to me, saying 'he's back, he's back'. There was a bit of banter."

Aussies end day one strongly

Kohli shot his partner a look of disbelief before trudging off.

It came a day after Kohli spruiked Rahane's level-headed approach and leadership.

"We've had a lot of mutual understanding and respect over the years. We've had some great partnerships batting together, based on trust," Kohli said on Wednesday.

The shocking mix-up brought a degree of relief for Tim Paine, who opted against reviewing a caught-behind shout that could have dismissed Kohli on 16.

Seen here, Virat Kohli trudges off after being run out against Australia in Adelaide.
Virat Kohli's wicket proves a huge turning point for Australia on day one in Adelaide. Pic: Getty

Australia grabbed two quick wickets with the second new ball after Kohli's dismissal.

Starc, having fired out Prithvi Shaw for a duck with the second delivery of the game, needed four balls with the second new pill to trap Rahane lbw for 42.

Rahane capped a dirty day when he opted for a review then promptly shuffled off the field after watching one replay of his lbw dismissal, knowing there was no point waiting for the ball-tracker.

Hanuma Vihari, who convinced Rahane to refer his verdict, fell victim to Hazlewood soon after.

Kohli was earlier given a standing ovation at the start of his innings; a sharp contrast to the boos that showered down on the talismanic superstar during the corresponding Test in 2018-19.

Debutant Cameron Green, who was presented his cap by Pat Cummins, started with a no-ball but quickly found some rhythm.

with AAP

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