‘Gaining a bit of information about my ability with bat’: Axar Patel after his 79 in 4th IND vs AUS Test

In addition to Axar, Virat Kohli scored 186 as India ended their first innings at 571. The duo built a 162-run partnership.

Ahmedabad: Indian batter Axar Patel celebrates after scoring a half century during the 4th day of the fourth test cricket match between India and Australia, at Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad, Sunday, March 12, 2023. (PTI Photo/Atul Yadav)

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Indian all-rounder Axar Patel on Sunday said he is gaining information since the first Test of the series about his batting ability during the ongoing India vs Australia Test series.

Speaking after the fourth day’s play in Ahmedabad, Axar said, “I am feeling good to have contributed with the bat. I’ve had the confidence to go after ones that I can hit, the talk in the 1st Test is what I’m following and I’m gaining a bit of information about my ability with the bat.”

Axar scored a brisk 79-run innings to help India secure a 91-run lead. “I had no set role (when asked if he was told to score quickly), just wanted to make as many runs as possible, bat along with the ball not doing a lot. Once you’re set, it’s easier to bat, the odd ball is turning and staying low, and it’s slightly difficult when you’re new to the crease, but once you adjust, it’s still easy to bat on this wicket,” he said.

FIFTY!

A well made half-century by @akshar2026 👏👏

His 4th in Test cricket.#INDvAUS #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/ba6mOnTTSl

— BCCI (@BCCI) March 12, 2023

In addition to Axar, Virat Kohli scored 186 as India ended their first innings at 571. The duo built a 162-run partnership.

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At stumps on the fourth day, Australia were three for no loss in their second essay with Matthew Kuhnemann (0 batting) and Travis Head (3 batting) seeing through their six overs in the final session. Australia is behind by 88 runs.

Resuming the penultimate day on 289 for three, India rode on Kohli’s first Test century in more than three years to get past the Australian first innings total of 480 in the final session.

Kohli, who was overnight 59, ran out of partners and got out for 186 in 364 balls (15×4) to give India a 91-run first-innings lead.

Shreyas Iyer did not come out to bat as India ended their first innings at 571 in 178.5 overs.

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