Ajinkya Rahane made a terrific comeback to the Indian Test side after 18 months as he helped his side put up a competitive total in the first innings of the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC 2023) final against Australia being played at the Oval in London.
After being asked to bat first by Rohit Sharma, Australia posted a massive 469 runs in 1st innings with Steve Smith and Travis Head scoring impressive centuries.
Then the Australian bowlers hurt India big time after the top-order was removed pretty early as the world’s no.1 Test side slipped to 71/4.
Then Rahane came into action and first added 71 runs with Ravindra Jadeja and then his 109-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Shardul Thakur (51 off 109) kept India in the game but Australia still managed to take a massive 173-run first-innings lead by bowling out opposition for 296.
Rahane made 89 in 129 balls with 11 fours and one six to his name.
However, during his innings, he was struck on the index finger of his right hand by a Pat Cummins bouncer and he was seen in visible pain. He had to call the physio and got treatment on the field, before continuing to bat.
Now his wife Radhika has revealed that despite urging from team management, Rahane refused to go for a scan on his finger after getting hit and continued to bat after receiving some treatment. She also said that he inspired everyone including her with his team spirit.
“Despite your swollen finger, you refused a scan to protect your mindset and focused on batting, displaying incredible selflessness and determination. With unwavering resilience and commitment, you took your place at the crease, inspiring us all. I'm forever proud of your unwavering team spirit, my resilient partner. Love you endlessly!”- Radhika posted on Instagram.
On the other hand, Rahane spoke with the commentators after the end of day three’s play and mentioned that the injury in painful, but manageable and that he will bat in the second innings.
