Watch: Rohit Sharma gets hit by Mark Wood as fans question his reflexes in short-ball play

India skipper Rohit Sharma was left visibly shaken after being hit flush on the helmet grille by a short ball from Mark Wood in the ongoing third Test between India and England in Rajkot. The India captain won a good toss and elected to bat first on a pitch that looked good for batting.

However, the hosts failed to capitalize on the opportunity as they were off to a poor start. In-form Yashasvi Jaiswal started on a positive note but did not last long and departed after scoring 10 runs. He edged a Mark Wood delivery to Joe Root at first slip.

Shubman Gill, who scored a brilliant fighting century in the second innings of the last Test, did not last long either. The right-handed batsman looked uncomfortable against James Anderson and Wood and departed even before opening his account. He edged a delivery from Wood behind the stumps where wicketkeeper Ben Foakes took an easy catch.

Rohit Sharma rocked by Mark Wood:

Rajat Patidar was the next to depart. The right-handed batsman, who made his debut in the last Test, played a poor shot off Tom Hartley’s delivery and departed after scoring only 5 runs in the ninth over. In the 10th over, England set their sight on the prized scalp of Rohit Sharma.

Captain Ben Stokes stationed a couple of fielders in the deep and invited Rohit Sharma to go for the pull shot against Wood’s fast deliveries. While the India star is one of the best players of pull shots in the world, he decided against going for it because of the team’s situation. And in doing so, he ended up getting hit on the helmet.

On the second ball of the over, Wood bowled a well-directed short ball that rose sharply and surprised Rohit Sharma. The India opener was in no position to play the pull shot and the ball went on to hit him on the helmet grille. Rohit Sharma looked shaken after the blow but fortunately, it did not do much damage.

Watch:

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— Rishi (@EpicVirat) February 15, 2024

Talking about the game, India were on 93 for 3 at lunch. After Patidar’s departure, Rohit and Ravindra Jadeja have steadied the ship for the home side. The partnership between the two is now worth 60 runs.