Ajinkya Rahane’s brilliance at slips was on full display once again as he executed a one-handed stunner to dismiss Jermaine Blackwood in a recent Test cricket match. The vice-captain’s athleticism was evident as he dove to his left and plucked the ball out of the air with just one hand, making the catch seem effortless.
His catch ensured that India secured the crucial wicket of Blackwood, who departed the crease after scoring 20 runs.
Ravindra Jadeja enticed Blackwood into playing a shot, and the edge flew towards the first slip, where Rahane was stationed. Displaying his alertness and quick reflexes, Rahane moved swiftly to complete the catch, highlighting his key role in the dismissal.
It seemed that India planned for such a scenario positioning Rahane expertly between the first and second slip. This strategic move paid off handsomely as Blackwood’s departure marked India’s third wicket of the day. Earlier, Mukesh Kumar had claimed the first wicket by dismissing Kirk Mckenzie, while R Ashwin bowled out Kraigg Brathwaite with a classic delivery.
At the time of Blackwood’s dismissal, West Indies were struggling at four down for 178 runs. The pitch had not offered much assistance to the pacers, but the spinners were starting to find some turn.
