Rahane expects Rose Bowl rearguard

Cricket365
July 30, 2014

Batsman Ajinkya Rahane anticipated a defiant partnership between captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and tail-ender Mohammed Shami, as India aim to avoid the follow-on on day four of the third Test against England at the Rose Bowl on Wednesday.

Tuesday saw the tourists slip to 323 for eight – and a 246-run deficit – after the English had amassed a hefty 567 for nine declared on the back of big centuries from the left-handed Gary Ballance and right-handed Ian Bell.

Dhoni remains unbeaten on a combative 50 and Shami, who welcomed a career-best 51 not out in the series opener at Trent Bridge in Nottingham earlier this month, is on four not out.

"We are not thinking of the second innings at all at this stage. After losing a few wickets we have managed to recover quite well thanks to our captain. We are not safe but in an okay position now," said Rahane.

"If our captain and Shami do well, then probably we will do well. MS and Shami are still batting. If we can bat well in the morning session, then anything can happen. It could still become an interesting match. Cricket is a funny game."

Fast bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad were at the fore of the home side's success on day two, snaring three crucial wickets each. Spinner Moeen Ali, meanwhile, secured a key brace – including the removal of the Rahane.

"The England bowlers bowled well. They were patient on a pitch that didn't show too much wear and tear. When the ball was old, the pitch seemed to be a little two-paced. But with the new ball it is coming easily on the bat still. So they bowled consistently and in good areas today," added Rahane.

The right-handed Rahane struck five fours en route to a solid 54 before a loose shot afforded substitute fielder Sean Terry a straightforward catch off the bowling of Ali. The recalled Rohit Sharma, too, perished in similar fashion four overs earlier.

"I was really disappointed in the manner I got out. I was concentrating really well at that point of time. I thought it was a bad delivery and played it, but the shot was a miscued one. In the end, it was a bad shot. I just need to learn from this and bat well in the second innings," he concluded.