As WTC Final 2023 enters Day 5, Ajinkya Rahane continues to receive acclaim for his valiant performance in India’s first innings, which saved them from having to follow-on Australia. Rahane suffered injuries to his fingertips that required numerous visits from the team physiotherapist to relieve, but he persevered while batting to get 89 in the ICC World Test Championship Final 2023.
Rahane’s wife said on Instagram that the middle-order batter for India declined a scan on his injured finger so that it wouldn’t affect his thinking while the WTC championship was on the line.
“Despite your swollen finger, you refused a scan to protect your mindset and focused on batting, displaying incredible selflessness and determination,” Radhika Rahane wrote.
“With unwavering resilience and commitment, you took your place at the crease, inspiring us all. I’m forever proud of your unwavering team spirit, my resilient partner. Love you endlessly!” Rahane’s wife added.
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All eyes on AJinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli on Day 5
Midway through the second session, Australia declared their second innings at 270/8, setting India a record total of 444 to win the WTC championship thanks to an outstanding and undefeated half-century from Alex Carey and contributions from Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green.
Day four of the ICC World Test Championship Final saw Australia seize total control with India at 164/3 at the end and still needing 280 runs to reach what would be a record total.
And after a promising first stand, India lost their top three players, leaving them with a difficult assignment on the last day.
There will still be hope for India as long as Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane are still playing. The duo will return to the middle on 44* and 20*, respectively, when play resumes on Sunday. The weather is for a tiny chance of rain on what should be an otherwise beautiful day in south London.
There is no question that both Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane possess the skills necessary to bat continuously. And with the sun forecast to blaze down at The Oval on the hottest weekend of the year thus far in south London, conditions could be favourable for batting once more on Sunday.
It will be truly exceptional if these two can help pull victory from the jaws of defeat, though, as India faces a record aim to win this Test.
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