INDvsAUS: RO-FIT SHARMA! Rohit Survives Run-Out Scare with Brilliant Dive

Indian opener Rohit Sharma survived a heart-stopping run-out scare in the third over of the second One Day International (ODI) against Australia at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday, showcasing remarkable athleticism to keep India's innings afloat early on. With Australia having won the toss and elected to bowl first under overcast conditions, Sharma and captain Shubman Gill negotiated a cautious start against a potent pace attack led by Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

The incident unfolded when Gill pushed a Starc delivery straight to Mitchell Owen at backward point, prompting a quick single attempt. Sharma, already halfway down the pitch, spotted the danger as Owen unleashed a direct hit at the bowler's end. In a flash of brilliance, the 37-year-old twisted mid-stride and executed a full-length dive, grounding his bat just in time as the bails were dislodged. The umpire's call confirmed he was safe, leaving spectators and commentators stunned by his agility, often compared to a seasoned fielder's prowess.

The near miss highlighted the intensity of the series, following Australia's commanding 66-run victory in the rain-affected opener in Perth on Sunday. India, trailing 0-1, stuck with an unchanged XI, relying on the experience of Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul to post a competitive total on a pitch expected to offer early seam movement before easing under lights. Gill, at the toss, expressed satisfaction with batting first despite preferring to bowl, noting the clear weather forecast after the first match's interruptions. "We would have bowled first as well. Happy to bat first. Never easy when it rains, starting and stopping. The weather looks good today; hopefully no stoppages today," Gill said, emphasising the need for a substantial score to leverage reverse swing in the evening.

Australia, meanwhile, introduced wicketkeeper Alex Carey for Josh Philippe and pacer Xavier Bartlett for Nathan Ellis, aiming to seal the three-match series with a win. Captain Mitchell Marsh, buoyed by the Brisbane triumph, praised his team's positives and the vibrant Adelaide crowd: "We are going to bowl first. It was really pleasing (winningthe 1st ODI). A lot of positives from last year... Any time you get a chance to win a series in game two, it's an awesome opportunity."

As play progressed into the powerplay, India reached 17/0 after six overs, with Sharma on 8* and Gill on 9*, maintaining a steady run rate of 2.83 amid tight bowling from Hazlewood (0/3) and Starc. The duo's resilience after the scare—punctuated by a couple of boundaries—signalled intent to rebound from the Perth collapse, where they managed only 136 in pursuit of 203. Kohli, lurking at No. 3, eyes a milestone as he approaches 1,000 ODI runs in Australia, while the middle order of Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel prepares for potential spin from Adam Zampa. Australia's revamped attack, featuring Starc's swing and Hazlewood's accuracy, seeks to exploit any early breakthroughs, with Bartlett adding fresh pace. The match, part of India's tour ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand, draws a packed house at the historic venue and is broadcast live to millions.

Also Read: Australia Win Toss, Opt to Bowl First Against India in 2nd ODI at Adelaide

This encounter transcends a mere series decider, serving as a litmus test for India's white-ball resurgence under Gill's young leadership post their Test series whitewash Down Under. A victory would level the rubber and boost morale ahead of the third ODI in Canberra, while Australia eyes a clean sweep to affirm their bilateral dominance. With no interruptions so far, the focus remains on Sharma's survival turning into a match-defining knock, underscoring his enduring value despite recent form dips. As the overs tick by, the Adelaide Oval's electric atmosphere promises a classic Indo-Aussie showdown, blending skill, strategy, and sheer drama.

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