WTC Final: Ajinkya Rahane completes 100 Test catches

Ajinkya Rahane (Photo Source: Twitter)

India veteran cricketer Ajinkya Rahane pouched his 100th Test catch to dismiss Australia skipper Pat Cummins in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2021-23 final, at The Oval in London. With this, the Aussies concluded their first innings with a score of 469 runs on Day 2.

Notably, it was Mohammed Siraj who landed the final two blows in the form of Nathan Lyon and Cummins to end Australia’s magnificent innings. On the third ball of the 122nd over, Siraj delivered a back-of-a-length ball outside-off ball as Cummins holed out straight to Rahane at extra-cover. 

In the process, Rahane attained an impressive feat in the longest format as he claimed his 100th catch. Notably, former India skipper Rahul Dravid holds the record for most catches as a fielder in Test cricket, with 209 in his account.

Notably, pacer Siraj returned a four-wicket haul for 108 runs in 28.3 overs whereas Shardul Thakur and Mohammed Shami got two wickets apiece. Speaking about the Aussies, flamboyant southpaw Travis Head top-scored for the side with a stellar 163 off 174, featuring 25 boundaries and a solitary maximum.

On the other hand, Steve Smith registered his 31st century, concluding with 121 off 268. Smith now has the second-most centuries between the two fierce rivals as he got eight to his name, only behind India great Sachin Tendulkar, who has 11 under his belt. 

Alex Carey and David Warner finished with a score of 48 and 43 runs, respectively. With 469 runs scored in the first innings, the Aussies will be gunning to extend their domination when team India come out to bat. 

Most catches as a fielder for India in Tests:

209 – Rahul Dravid

135 – VVS Laxman

115 – Sachin Tendulkar

109 – Virat Kohli

108 – Sunil Gavaskar

105 – Mohammed Azharuddin

100 – Ajinkya Rahane