Former Australia opening batter Matthew Hayden has showered praise on Rohit Sharma, saying he kept it really simple against Australia on day one of the first Test in Nagpur which kickstarted the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 series.
Australia could only manage 177 runs despite captain Pat Cummins winning the toss and batting first. Marnus Labuschagne top scored with 49 runs, while Ravindra Jadeja picked 5/47 for India. In reply, India finished day one on 77/1 with captain Rohit Sharma on 56* with 9 fours and one six.
Speaking with Star Sports, Hayden praised Rohit’s knock, saying he kept it really simple like any good batter should, and insisted that he backed himself once he came out to bat.
“I just think he kept it really simple like a good batter should. He really had to reinvent himself. One thing that you should do once you come to bat is to really back yourself. He was not under any pressure and expressed himself. KL Rahul also supported him and gave India a really strong start,” said Hayden.
The former Australia opener further praised Rohit for always looking for runs to put pressure on the bowlers and not playing to survive.
“The thing about Rohit Sharma is that he puts the pressure on the bowler, and always looks to score. You never feel like he is out there just to survive. So, it’s a great way to bat, especially in conditions where it is tough to score runs, who need to have the confidence to play your shots. He looks in good touch, it doesn’t feel like he is searching for the ball. He is in fine form,” Hayden added.
The Indian skipper asserted his dominance early on in the innings, hitting Australia captain Pat Cummins for three boundaries in the very first over. Cummins bowled four overs for 27 runs and looked all over the place.
IND v AUS 2023: Labuschagne opens up on his friendly banter with Kohli on Day 1 of Nagpur Test
His performance was heavily criticized by Matthew Hayden as well saying that he bowled rubbish on day one.
"Pat Cummins, the captain of the side, playing away from home has to lead the side. He bowled rubbish today. He was too full and he didn't know where he was going with his line and length. If you look at the pitch map, it was way too much that was straying there as well. And it was just a matter of that momentum because Rohit Sharma was standing right at the other end. It does get away from you know," said Matthew Hayden.
India trails Australia by 100 runs.
(India Today inputs)
