Indian skipper Rohit Sharma brought up a well-fought half-century during the 2nd ODI against Australia at Adelaide Oval, showcasing trademark resilience after battling through an early elbow injury.
Rohit, who dived for a quick single earlier in the innings and suffered a bleeding elbow, stayed on to anchor India’s recovery after early setbacks. From 17/2, he built a steady stand with Shreyas Iyer, steering India to 94/2 after 22 overs.
The turning point came in the 18th over, when Rohit shifted gears — launching two massive sixes off Mitchell Owen in the space of three balls, both classic pull shots over square leg. The crowd erupted as Rohit raised his fifty with a single off Cooper Connolly, having struck 4 fours and 2 sixes off 74 balls.
His innings was marked by early struggles against Josh Hazlewood’s movement, where he survived two unsuccessful DRS appeals, before finding rhythm through smart rotation and power-hitting.
At the time of his fifty, India were 94/2 in 21.5 overs, with Rohit on 50 off 74 balls and Shreyas Iyer on 33 off 44, as the partnership between the duo crossed 77 runs off 90 balls.
Australia, having opted to bowl first, will rue both wasted reviews against Rohit — who now looks set for a commanding knock at one of his favourite overseas venues.
