'I won't regret': Rohit Sharma downplays criticism after losing his wicket early to Lyon

After being criticized for throwing away his wicket during fourth Test at Gabba, Team India's vice-captain Rohit Sharma has said that he does t 'regret' his shot selection which led to his dismissal on second day of Test. Defending his play, Sharma said that he just did 't connect' where he wanted to hit. right-handed opening batsman elaborated that he attempted to pressurize Lyon early on and in doing so re is always a chance of making mistakes. 

"Once I was in and I had played a few overs, I realised re was t much swing so I did little adjustment re, after that, it was an unfortunate dismissal, it is something I won't regret. I like to put pressure on bowler once I am in and that is my role in this team to keep putting pressure on bowlers. run-scoring has been slightly difficult for both teams so someone needs to put ir hand up and think about how to put pressure on bowlers," Rohit Sharma said during virtual press conference at end of play on Day 2. 

Hitman seemed to be in fine touch as he took to field on Day 2 to open innings with Shubman Gill. Sharma started well and eyed a big score to reduce deficit just before he was lured by Lyon with a flighted delivery hitting it right down Mitchell Starc's throat at mid-wicket. 

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"In doing that, re is a chance of making mistakes but you should be ready to accept that. It was a plan so I actually have regrets about playing that shot, it is something I like to, Nathan Lyon is a smart bowler, he bowled into me so I was t able to get elevation," Sharma added. 

Gavaskar livid with Sharma

Rohit's shot selection was severely criticised by veteran opening batsman Sunil Gavaskar who remarked that senior player had thrown away his wicket. Terming Rohit Sharma's behaviour as 'irresponsible', Sunil Gavaskar questioned need for Hitman to play loose shot and throw his wicket away 'unnecessarily'. Slamming Rohit Sharma, Gavaskar ted that loose shot was excuse for Rohit Sharma to get out to, especially since he had smashed a boundary just two deliveries earlier. former Indian legend expressed disappointment on Rohit Sharma's dismissal and went on to say that it was an unnecessary wicket that was gifted away. 

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Play abandoned after rains on Day 2

After losing Shubman Gill early on in session, Rohit Sharma carried forward momentum for India along with Cheteshwar Pujara. However, Rohit Sharma's blunder cost him his well-paced innings as he was dismissed for 44 runs after facing 74 deliveries. Cheteshwar Pujara (8) and Ajinkya Rahane (2) added only two runs in 6.1 overs before break. Rain played spoilsport at Gabba after Tea break was taken, forcing day's play to be abandoned. 

India’s injury-depleted attack dismissed Australia for 369 on second morning of series-deciding cricket test at Gabba in a confidence-boosting session for tourists. Thangarasu Natarajan clean bowled last man Josh Hazlewood to return 3-78 on his test debut and end Australian innings at lunch on Saturday.

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