India vs Australia: The Rahul Dravid touch to Ajinkya Rahane’s Adelaide act

Ajinkya Rahane hit some glorious shots in the first session of the day’s play and played a crucial role in India extending their lead on Day 4.

Middle-order batsman Ajinkya Rahane returned to form and hit a brilliant half-century to put India on top against Australia on the fourth day of the Adelaide Test on Sunday. Rahane stitched together an 87-run partnership with Cheteshwar Pujar to take India’s lead to 275 runs at the end of first session.

India's Ajinkya Rahane watches the ball while batting on day four during the first cricket test between Australia and India in Adelaide. (AP)

Rahane hit some glorious shots and played a crucial role in India extending their lead after Pujara and skipper Virat Kohli guided the visitors to a 166-run lead at stumps on the previous day. This was Rahane’s 16th fifty in the longest format, third in Australia and fourth of 2018.

As the cameras zoomed in on Rahane’s bat, it showed that the right-hander was using a willow signed by the legendary India cricketer Rahul Dravid. The message read: “Best wishes, Rahul Dravid”.

Dravid is no stranger with Adelaide as he was responsible for one of India’s best ever victories overseas at this venue in 2003. ‘TheWall’ scored a double ton in the first innings and then returned to slam an unbeaten half-century to help India register a four-wicket win over Steve Waugh’s men.

After averaging under 30 for most past of 2018, Rahane will hope that this innings in Adelaide will change his fortunes for the good in upcoming matches against the Aussies.