Ajinkya Rahane's 12th Test hundred helped India take a 131-run lead in the first innings in Melbourne.
Moody felt Rahane batted magnificently under pressure in helping India overcome the trouble waters and gaining in ascendency over the Aussies. The right-hander showed amazing fortitude and pushed the visitors towards what should be an impactful first-innings lead of 131.
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“For me, when he came in, the score was 61, I think. Soon after his arrival, another wicket fell. So India with 63/3 I think it was, with all the pressure that was build up for this Test match... in the absence of Virat Kohli, one of the best players in the world and also the captain of this side, after his disastrous performance in Adelaide, you can’t imagine the pressure that he was under,” Moody said on ESPNcricinfo.
“But to me, did it look like it? It certainly didn’t. He looked composed, he looked in control, and he showed what leadership is about. Leadership is about actions, and his action was very much one of head down."
"‘I’m grinding this out. I’m going to show you discipline, some maturity some class along the way and allow my innings to unfold and blossom for you all to enjoy'."
Moody was very impressed with Rahane's subdued celebration at the 100-mark. The 32-year-old struck a brilliant four through the off-side and just simply raised his bat to the heavens, looking in typical calm despite the magnitude of his achievement.
"And to me the way he acknowledged his hundred was the most special part of that innings – so understated," he said. "A similar player across the Tasman Kane Williamson acknowledged the hundred against Pakistan, a very similar modest fashion."
"And I just love watching players like this... understated. Everyone knows they’ve climbed the Everest but they’re content nodding their heads and raising their bat.”