Rohit Sharma fell to Nathan Lyon for the fourth time in Test cricket
After missing the plane to England for the Test series, Rohit Sharma returned to the Indian squad for the four-match Test series against Australia because his game is suited to the conditions.
Only that would be unfair because his limited-overs form also played a part in the recall and majority of people were happy with his inclusion.
Rohit walked straight into the playing XI ahead of Hanuma Vihari, who scored a fifty on his debut against England at The Oval and followed it up with another half-century in the tour game against Cricket Australia XI at the Sydney Cricket Ground last week.
But as things started, the Indian team management would have been happy with the decision to play Rohit before his shortcomings came in the forefront yet again.
The 31-year-old walked in when India lost four quick wickets and had to show some character. He did that and in his own counter-attacking style. He along with Pujara steadied the innings and made sure India don't lose any further wickets with the visitors going to tea at 56/4.
Rohit came out and played some fluent shots including a classy cover drive that went for a flat maximum. With two boundaries and three sixes, he was coasting along nicely before his intention of dominating Nathan Lyon got the better of him.
He smashed a six off Lyon through square-leg but that was a lucky escape at he almost held out to debutant Marcus Harris but the Australian's feet touched the ground as he landed on the wrong side of the ropes. Rohit looked to do it again but this time his luck ran out.
Lyon tossed up the ball again, a bit flatter however around middle and off. Rohit was beaten to it but he went ahead with the swipe across the line. But he could only manage to get a top edge on it and the ball flew towards square leg. Harris ran in and took a simple catch as India lost have half their side back.
This was the fourth time he fell to Lyon -- the most an Indian has got out against any bowler in Tests. This was also the third consecutive time he had fallen to the off-spinner at the Adelaide Oval.
This was also the fifth straight time he failed to score a fifty or more in red-ball cricket.
Rohit, who looked so good, would be kicking himself after gifting his wicket away and putting India in a spot of bother. With a shot like that, all the talks of him not being a good Test player becomes more evident. Especially then, when a player like Vihari, who showed character in the first game he played is waiting in the wings.
