Ajinkya Rahane give major update on finger injury after a fighting knock against Australia in WTC Final

India batter Ajinkya Rahane suffered an injury on his index finger after getting hit by the Australian skipper Pat Cummins while batting in the 22nd over of the Indian innings in WTC 2023 Final. However, despite the injury, he kept taking the innings further and played a fighting knock of 89 runs off 129 balls as India was bowled for 296 runs in reply to Australia’s 469 runs.

Rahane wasn’t on the field for most time on Day 3 when Australia were batting in their second innings. However, at the end of the day, Rahane himself opened up on his injury status saying the injury is painful but it can be managed. Rahane’s form will be crucial for India in the second innings while chasing a target.

Happy with the way I batted: Ajinkya Rahane

“Painful but quite manageable (blow to his finger). Don’t think it’ll affect batting. Happy with the way I batted. Had a good today. We were looking to get 320-330 but overall we had a good day. Bowling wise we bowled well. Everyone chipped in. That was a really good catch. We all know he’s a really good fielder. Has a big reach,” Rahane said at the end of Day 3.

“Australia is slightly ahead in the game. For us, it’s important to be in the moment, play session by session. The first hour will be crucial tomorrow. We know funny things can happen. Jadeja bowled really well, footmarks helped him against the left-hander. Still, feel wicket will help seam bowlers,” he further added.

Talking about the match, after bowling out India for 296 runs, Australia have put themselves in a commendable position ahead of Day 4 of the WTC final. Coming to bat in the second innings, Australia has scored 123 runs for the loss of 3 wickets so far and is currently leading by 296 runs.

Australia didn’t have a great start in the second innings as they lost 2 wickets for 24 runs. After that, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith added 62 runs for the third wicket. Smith got out after scoring 34 runs off 47 balls, while Labuschagne is still at the crease by scoring 41 runs off 118 balls along with Cameron Green on the other side.