VVS Laxman Impressed By Ajinkya Rahane's Captaincy

India’s Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane could not have asked for a start better than what transpired on the first day of the Boxing Day Test or the second one against Australia. Ajinkya Rahane had to step into the leadership role as Virat Kohli returned home for family reasons and had an uphill task of marshalling his troops after losing the first Test by eight wickets. However, he did an impressive job and VVS Laxman echoed the same.

Even as Ajinkya Rahane lost the toss and Australia’s skipper, Tim Paine elected to bat first, India’s bowlers did not let them get away. Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin demonstrated outstanding bowling displays as the tourists routed the opposition for 195. Marnus Labuschagne top-scored for the home side with 48 as Bumrah was the pick of the bowlers with four scalps.

Ajinkya Rahane, who enjoyed a perfect captaincy leading to the Boxing Day Test, was outstanding throughout the day. The 32-year old’s set-up to get rid of Steve Smith for an eight-ball duck earned plenty of accolades. Rahane will also have to ensure that the batsmen capitalise on the bowlers’ effort.

Excellent days play for India: VVS Laxman

VVS Laxman lauded India’s gameplay on the first day of the second Test in Melbourne as the bowlers bowled sensationally while the two debutants – Shubman Gill and Mohammed Siraj – were also confident. The 134-Test veteran added that Rahane led the side well and the team did not carry the baggage from the loss in Adelaide.

“Excellent days play for India. Bowlers were once again sensational, both the debutants looked confident, Rahane captained the side really well but must importantly they didn’t carry the baggage of the loss from Adelaide,” Laxman said as quoted by ANI.

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