Hits and Misses: Rain rain go away, pickle juice, and a smart non-appeal

[Glasgow]

HITS

Pujara’s patience
Australia will be sick of seeing this guy bat, but for the neutrals among us, it’s been a joy to watch. After his 123-run, 246-ball vigil in the first innings, the gun No.3 was at it again to once again form the backbone of India’s batting line-up. If he can bat for another session tomorrow, it’s hard to see the tourists losing in Adelaide.

Sensible non-appeals
There was plenty of social media chatter about whether Australia should have appealed for the handled-ball wicket of Lokesh Rahul (see above). Let’s be glad they didn’t. The ball was dead, it was never going back onto the stumps, and there was no possibility of a run-out. Common sense prevailed. Can you imagine the outcry if there had been an appeal - and it had been given out?

Pickle juice
The magical remedy to help stop cramping was required late in the day for the aforementioned Pujara, who was understandably starting to feel the pinch. Its effect can’t be questioned, but the taste clearly leaves a little to be desired.

Lyon-hearted effort
Thank goodness for the GOAT. Nathan Lyon toiled hard for 20 overs, twice having Pujara triggered only to see the decision overturned on review. But as the shadow of stumps drew nearer, Lyon claimed an even bigger scalp with the key wicket of Virat Kohli for 34. With the footmarks ever-expanding, Lyon will be relied upon to take more scalps - and quickly - tomorrow morning to keep the Aussies in the contest.

MISSES

Summer rain
First, it was the limited overs international fixtures. Now, the rain has crept into the Test line-up. Two blazing hot days were followed by persistent rain in the early hours today, frustrating fans and players alike. Mitch Starc in particular would have been livid after nicking off in light rain, only to have play stopped immediately after his dismissal. Let’s hope that’s the end of it for the remainder of the summer.

Mitch Marsh
For the second straight day, a Sheffield Shield player was unable to make a statement about why they should be elevated into the Test team’s unsettled top six. Yesterday it was Glenn Maxwell who fell in unlucky fashion for 57. Today it was Mitch Marsh’s turn. The dropped all-rounder survived a chance early in his innings when he was put down at slip, but couldn’t make the most of his life en route to just 21. He’s got work to do to get back now.