“Our first goal is to erase the deficit” – Rohit Sharma on India’s plans for Day 4 at Leeds
Rohit Sharma has said that India aren’t looking too far ahead, as their first goal will be to erase the 139-run deficit in the ongoing third Test against England at Leeds. The India opener emphasized that the team's batting plans would depend on several factors, including the number of overs remaining.
After being outplayed in the first two days, India staged a comeback on Day 3, getting to 215 for 2, with crucial contributions from Rohit Sharma (59), Cheteshwar Pujara (91*) and Virat Kohli (45*). The visitors still trail by 139 runs.
Speaking on the batting plans for the third day, Rohit Sharma said:
“We are still 139-odd behind; so first we need to erase the deficit, and then the lead comes into the equation. We have to plan to cover it first. Then we will have to analyse the game’s situation like how many overs are remaining, etc., and then we will plan further.”
Woefully out of touch in their previous outings, both Pujara and Kohli made merry on Friday, stitching an unbeaten 99-run stand for the third wicket. Earlier, Rohit Sharma and Pujara shared a key stand of 82 runs for the second wicket before the former fell lbw to Ollie Robinson.
It wasn’t a 78 all-out pitch: Rohit Sharma
After electing to bat first, India were bowled out for a paltry 78 on Day 1. Reflecting on the display that put India on the back foot early in the Test, Rohit Sharma conceded that the batsmen played poorly.
“We batted poorly in the first innings. They (England) bowled some pretty good balls, but it wasn’t certainly a 78 pitch. We accept that we batted poorly, and corrected our mistakes in the second innings, which is why we are in this position now. We made some silly mistakes batting first, but it’s all about correcting them."
Rohit Sharma, who top-scored with 19 runs in the first innings, added:
“We batted well in the three sessions today, and tomorrow will be very crucial for us. Hopefully, the two in the middle (Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara) and the other batters can bat as long as possible,” added Rohit Sharma, who top-scored with 19 runs in the first innings.
It remains to be seen if the visitors continue their good work on Day 4 and manage to extend the match to a final day.
With the new ball due on the fourth morning, all eyes will be on Cheteshwar Pujara, who is closing in on his first Test century since January 2019, and another riveting Virat Kohli-James Anderson contest.