XtraTime Web Desk: Indian cricket team’s star pacer Ishant Sharma was in all praise for skipper Virat Kohli and vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane for their brilliant batting on day 2 of Perth Test on Saturday.
At the end of day 2 of second test Kohli was not out on 82 runs and on the other hand Rahane was not out on 51 runs as the Men in Blue reached 172 runs for 3 after the hosts were all out on 326 runs in their first innings.
“Whenever he Virat Kohli is batting, we feel pretty confident. We felt good obviously as we finished the day on a strong position. Hopefully, they both will continue tomorrow and we win the first session and turn the game in our favour. Right now I can say it’s even-steven,” Ishant said at the press conference at the end of day’s play.
Ajinkya Rahane played a lot of aggressive shots after coming to the crease and reached his 17th half century. Ishant lauded his performance as well.
“I think Ajinkya Rahane’s counter-attacking innings in that period was very important for the team. It also made Australia change their plans,” Ishant said.
Ishant was found guilty of bowling no balls a few times in the first Test, whereas on two instances India were denied wickets.
“I have been playing cricket for so long now. So, [whenever the no ball situation arises] it doesn’t affect me. All these things happen because you are human and are bound to make mistakes. I was not at all worried about the no ball,” he said.