cricket

Updated: Dec 10, 2018 04:33 IST

Middle-order batsman Ajinkya Rahane returned to form and hit a brilliant half-century to put India on top against Australia on the fourth day of the Adelaide Test on Sunday. Rahane stitched together an 87-run partnership with Cheteshwar Pujar to take India’s lead to 275 runs at the end of first session.

Rahane hit some glorious shots and played a crucial role in India extending their lead after Pujara and skipper Virat Kohli guided the visitors to a 166-run lead at stumps on the previous day. This was Rahane’s 16th fifty in the longest format, third in Australia and fourth of 2018.

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As the cameras zoomed in on Rahane’s bat, it showed that the right-hander was using a willow signed by the legendary India cricketer Rahul Dravid. The message read: “Best wishes, Rahul Dravid”.

Dravid is no stranger with Adelaide as he was responsible for one of India’s best ever victories overseas at this venue in 2003. ‘TheWall’ scored a double ton in the first innings and then returned to slam an unbeaten half-century to help India register a four-wicket win over Steve Waugh’s men.

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After averaging under 30 for most past of 2018, Rahane will hope that this innings in Adelaide will change his fortunes for the good in upcoming matches against the Aussies.