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Axar Patel couldn't get a place in India's playing XI for the all-important World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia but still contributed with his presence in the field on Thursday (June 8). Axar became India's unofficial ‘Impact Player’ and stunned everyone after pulling off a brilliant run out. India's star all-rounder took up the field as substitute for Mohammed Shami and the decision to bring him in worked in India's favour.
Axar gifted India a prized wicket of Mitchell Starc by effecting an unbelievable run out with a jaw-dropping direct hit, especially when Rohit's brigade was desperately looking to sum up Australian innings cheaply on Day 2.
Starc played the ball with soft hands towards mid-off but Axar was on it in a flash. The fielder picked up the ball with his left hand and although he lost his balance, he was able to complete the throw which crashed into the stumps. Replays show that Starc was unable to make his ground. Starc, who was facing Mohammed Siraj in the 104th over, played the ball with soft hands towards mid-off and tried to sneak a single. But Axar, who was stationed at mid-off region, made an athletic effort and his direct hit which came with a lightning speed rattled the stumps. The on-field umpire signaled for a replay where Starc's bat was found well outside the crease.
Starc left the field after scoring just 5 off 20 balls. Meanwhile, the Indian bowling unit made an impressive comeback as it restricted Australia's first innings score to 469 on Day 2 of ultimate clash. Starting the day at 327/3, Australia added 142 more runs while losing the remaining seven wickets as Travis Head (163) and Steve Smith (121) were the two prominent contributors. The duo added 285 for the fourth wicket while Alex Carey (48) was the other significant scorer. Mohammed Siraj was the most successful bowler for India with figures of 4/108 in 28.3 overs while Mohammed Shami and Shardul Thakur took two wickets apiece.
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Watch: India make strong comeback on Day 2 as pacers get Travis Head, Steve Smith to regain control before lunch break
