The batting line-up of Team India failed to deliver as per the expectations in their first warm-up match against New Zealand which is been played at Kennington Oval, London. The Indian skipper, Virat Kohli won the toss and decided to bat first on a green top. It was a brave decision from him as the conditions were bowling friendly. Hence, he wanted his batsmen to go through the testing conditions. India played with 13 players as Vijay Shankar and Kedar Jadhav were given rest due to their respective injuries.
India had a forgettable start as Rohit Sharma was plumbed in front by Trent Boult. The southpaw seamer got the ball to move back in and the Indian deputy skipper could not get any bat. He was adjudged out by Kumar Dharmasena, but he decided to go for DRS and replays showed that it was umpire’s call.
WATCH – Colin de Grandhomme Cleans-up Virat Kohli
Shikhar Dhawan soon followed his opening partner in the very next over of Boult. After his dismissal, KL Rahul had a perfect chance to cement his place in the line-up, but he failed to do so as he chopped the ball back on to the stumps while playing his ultra soft hands.
Virat was looking good but the talisman batsman was outplayed by a brilliant delivery from Colin de Grandhomme. Hardik Pandya played some delightful shots in his innings and looked confident during his stay at the crease. Hardik also got some apt support from MS Dhoni who scored 17 runs from 42 balls.
Both the batsmen added 38 runs for the fifth wicket partnership as Pandya scored 30 runs from 37 balls with the help of six fours. Dinesh Karthik also had a chance to cement his place but the right-hander flicked an innocuous ball straight to deep fine-leg.
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Ravindra Jadeja proved his worth as he was timing the ball with perfection. The southpaw batsman scored his runs at more than run-a-ball. The southpaw all-rounder also completed his fifty off 47 balls. James Neesham and Trent Boult scalped three wickets each whereas Tim Southee snared one wicket.
Here is how Twitter reacted to India’s poor batting performance:
Jadeja doing himself a massive favour for the June 5 game vs South Africa. #CWC19 #INDvNZ
— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) May 25, 2019
150 on board.. Thnk u Sir Jadeja🙏 #INDvsNZ #CWC2019
— 🖤Shreya🖤 (@shreya11mehra) May 25, 2019
Ravi Jadeja a tad reluctant with running the singles…?
The last time he was involved in a run-out on this ground, it was pretty heart-breaking.#CT17 #CWC19 #INDvsNZ #NZvIND
— Shruti Chopra (@itstarot) May 25, 2019
1. KL in IPL
2. KL in ODIBC no 4 ka abhi bhi Wahi haal
Hope he will get some runs in next match.#INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/mcOJARvqlu
— Old account suspended .. Sharks 🦈 (@iamShariqueRizv) May 25, 2019
*le Indian fans #jaddu #INDvsNZ #WorldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/GY8KlDNfTh
— Swarnav Jr.✪ (@Swarnav_Jr) May 25, 2019
Was keen to see Jadeja get some batting time. If Kedar isn't fit in time for the first game, might be tempted to play Jadeja in his place ahead of DK/Rahul. An 11 that bats till 7 with plenty of bowling options. Rohit Shikhar VK VS MSD Hardik Jadeja Bhuvi/Shami Kul Cha Bumrah
— Raunak Kapoor (@RaunakRK) May 25, 2019
Batting first wasn’t a mistake. It was indeed the right thing to do…if you don’t challenge yourself in warm-up games, when will you? And you could also lose the toss in these conditions…. #INDvNZ #CWC19
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) May 25, 2019
I know it is only a warm-up game but New Zealand are enjoying it more.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 25, 2019
If you look at Neesham, he isn't looking to swing but hit the seam. He can work on it to consistently hit the seam #ICCWorldCup2019
— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) May 25, 2019
India tottering at 81 for six as Dinesh Karthik is out to a horrendous shot.
— N Jagannath Das_TT (@dassport_TT) May 25, 2019
Is Neesham allowed to tweet his reaction to DK's wicket?
— Shashank Kishore (@captainshanky) May 25, 2019
The number of times Rohit and Shikhar have fallen cheaply to left-arm seam is getting worrisome. #IndvNZ
— Nitin Naik (@toi_nitinnayak) May 25, 2019
