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The table toppers of the World Test Championship 2021-2023 Cycle continued their dominance on the second day of the ongoing WTC Final 2023. Pat Cummins' side ended the first day of play at 327/3 and put up a score of 469 by the end of the first innings. While India’s top order failed to make a mark and the momentum once again shifted to Australia’s side, Ajinkya Rahane and Ravindra Jadeja’s partnership pulled up India’s spirits and brought their hopes on a steadier side. Rahane, who remained unbeaten on 29 off 71, said that when it comes to playing in India, it is all about staying in the moment.
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Rahane, along with KS Bharat continued to hold on till the end and took India past 150, sat down for a chat with Star Sports. Talking about adapting to English conditions, he said that one needs to look for the conditions rather than the wicket. He said, “Playing in England, you have to always look at the conditions. Generally, we look at wickets, but when in England, you have to look upstairs. When it’s cloudy, it’s favourable for bowlers, and when it’s sunny, it gets better to bat on.”
He added, “You have to be in the moment. Whether you bat at 50+, 70+ or you are just quite inside, it’s all about playing in the moment, and playing to the conditions really well.”
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Talking about the role that preparations play, he said, “Obviously, preparation helps a lot as a cricketer and as a batsman in England. Once you are in the middle, it’s about backing your instincts and backing your game plan, that matters a lot.”
India ended at 151/5 on Day 2, trailing Australia by 318 runs, with Ajinkya Rahane and KS Bharat remaining unbeaten on 29* and 5*, respectively. Needless to say, a lot about India’s fate will depend on their partnership on Day 3 of the game.