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ToggleTeam India made a terrific comeback in the last session of the first day of their three-day practice game against Essex.
After a relatively poor opening session for the visitors, it was sensible knocks from Virat Kohli, Murali Vijay and Dinesh Karthik which helped India finish the day on a strong note. Early in the day, it was Indian skipper Virat Kohli who won the toss and opted to bat.
India lost the wickets of Shikhar Dhawan and Cheteshwar Pujara in quick succession. It was Matt Coles who dismissed the two batters for only five runs.
Ajinkya Rahane came out in the middle ahead of the skipper Virat Kohli. He struck a couple of boundaries before falling for 17. It was Walter who sent him back to the pavilion.
Partnership for India
From there on, it was a good partnership between Virat Kohli and Murali Vijay which got the visitors back into the game. Kohli looked in ominous touch and struck some gorgeous shots en route to 68 off 93 deliveries.
He smashed 12 fours during his knock. Vijay and Virat shared a 90-run stand before Vijay’s dismissal.
Virat also got dismissed in quick succession, as India were tottering at 147/5. Later, it was a partnership between Lokesh Rahul and Dinesh Karthik which helped India make inroads in the game.
The wicket-keeper batsman looked in great touch from the outset and struck some beautiful shots to get going. Rahul scored yet another well-deserved half-century.
He scored 58 off 92 deliveries including 11 hits to the fence. After the dismissal of Rahul, it was Hardik Pandya and Karthik who took India to the end of the day’s play without the loss of any further wickets. Karthik remained unbeaten on 82 off 94 deliveries which included 15 fours. Hardik, on the other hand, was batting on 33 off 58 deliveries.
India eventually ended the day’s play on 322/6. They will surely look to get a huge score on Thursday and bat Essex out of the game. Since it is not a recognized first-class game, any of the players from the squad of 18 is eligible to bat.
Here is how Twitterati reacted to the opening day’s play
Amstrong lauds Kohli for a brilliant knock
Kohli looking a class above at Chelmsford #ENGvIND #ESSvIND pic.twitter.com/jjhnjKn9Sc
— Dan Armstrong (@historydan1066) July 25, 2018
Virat- Such a class act
Such a class act. Already looks leagues above the rest of the side. Punches this for 4. Clean as. #ESSvIND pic.twitter.com/GldcZ6BQ59
— Alex W (@AWas29) July 25, 2018
Dhawan gets dismissed of a great delivery
?️ Matt Coles strikes after just 3 balls as Dhawan is caught behind by Foster#ESSvIND pic.twitter.com/SC9RaitUIi
— Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) July 25, 2018
Dinesh Karthik India’s top scorer at the end of the day’s play
Any guesses who this Indian batsman is with a pair of gloves with tri-colour on it. #ESSvIND pic.twitter.com/UwJRISXNKz
— Debasis Sen (@debasissen) July 25, 2018
Basic mantra of test cricket in swinging conditions
https://twitter.com/cricdrugs/status/1022071408124456960
Highly disappointed with team management
I'm highly disappointed with team management , the way they treating with Dinesh Karthik . please tell what dinesh karthik has need to do for make into 11 ? he done everthing possible . #ESSvIND
— Bhupesh (@bhupesh_live) July 25, 2018
Kohli is a class above the rest
You can just see the class of Kohli. He's only been out there for 17 deliveries and has already hit 4 boundaries. India 68-3 #PureClass #ESSvIND
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) July 25, 2018
Virat’s dismissal
Virat gone for 68. Caught at first slip. #ESSvInd
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) July 25, 2018
Chetan Narula happy with India’s progress
India 100/3 at lunch against Essex. Murali Vijay has batted all the way through for 45 not out while Mr Kohli looks in decent touch. Essex's second string bowlers did well enough but they dropped three catches including the Indian captain. #ESSvIND
— Rob Johnston (@RobJ_Cricket) July 25, 2018
A trademark cover drive from Virat
Shot! A stand-out trademark cover drive in the first session… and now an on-drive through midwicket… Virat batting on a different pitch to everyone else. #ESSvInd
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) July 25, 2018
“I still can’t believe it” @PWalter_22’s reaction to getting the big wicket of @imVkohli today! ?#ESSvIND pic.twitter.com/4CYBypBNe9
— Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) July 25, 2018
Matthew Quinn on two balls
Matthew Quinn squared up Virat twice on two balls outside off stump… then Virat responds with a cover drive on front foot off last ball… forget the fourth day.. this was superb entertainment for Essex crowd! #ESSvInd
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) July 25, 2018
Waiting for the King @imVkohli #Virat #viratkohli #ESSvIND #India pic.twitter.com/9EvVPZj7x6
— Cricket tweets (@_stavros1) July 25, 2018
Canvas for the game in Essex
https://twitter.com/MeetVani/status/1022064007576989697
Karthik scores 83
https://twitter.com/Holdthedoor19/status/1022147396808134656