Virat Kohli’s excellent judgement: The Indian captain’s decision to review saw India dismissing the last South African batsman.
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During the fourth day of the first Test of the ongoing South Africa’s tour of India in Visakhapatnam, India captain Virat Kohli’s decision to opt for a review saw India dismissing the last South African batsman in the form of Kagiso Rabada.
It all happened on the second delivery of the 132nd over when Rabada’s decision to block a Ravichandran Ashwin delivery off the back foot saw him getting hit on the pads. With the umpire giving the decision in the batsman’s favour, the Indians were quick to ponder for a review.
With wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha not entirely sure regarding the ball hitting the stumps, Kohli decided to take the extra risk since only one opposition wicket was left.
Replays confirmed that the ball would have gone on to hit the stumps. Therefore, the decision was made in the hosts’ favour. Rabada, who came in to bat at No. 11 in the 124th over, ended up scoring 15 (17) with the help of three overs. Debutant all-rounder Senuran Muthusamy (33*) and Rabada stitched a vital 35-run partnership for the last wicket.
After being reduced to 34/3 on Day 2, South Africa did extremely well to post 431 in 131.2 overs in their first innings. Opening batsman Dean Elgar (160) and wicket-keeper batsman Quinton de Kock (111) scoring individual centuries yesterday played a pivotal role for the visitors.
With bowling figures of 46.2-11-145-7, India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was the pick of their bowlers. Playing a Test match after nearly a year, Ashwin registered a formidable performance to silence his critics.
Virat Kohli’s excellent judgement
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