For the second time in 2023, KL Rahul walked out at no 5 with his side in trouble and he once again managed to bail India out in a tricky run-chase.

Earlier in January, his 64*(103b) had helped recover from 62/3 to chase down 215 against Sri Lanka at Kolkata. If that didn’t earn him enough plaudits, his 75* (91b,7x4,1x6) on Friday in Mumbai surely would.

Rahul combined with Ravindra Jadeja 45* and their unbeaten 108-run partnership helped India get past Australia’s 188 in 39.5 overs on a Wankhede wicket that was giving the pacers some generous assistance. India now lead the three-match series 1-0.

Rahul arrived in the middle with India in trouble at 16/3. Mitch Starc was firing on all cylinders on a wicket, which under lights, made the modest-looking target appear like a tall order. Earlier in the day, Mohammed Shami had delivered a mean spell of seam bowling but Starc was able to produce an even more purposeful spell with the new ball.