‘You're on your own there' – How Michael Gough refused to help Aaron Finch to dismiss Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have complemented each other over the years. They are two of the reasons behind India’s dominant run in the shorter formats. The duo has a combined tally of 76 centuries and 146 half-centuries in ODIs and T20Is. Once the prolific run-scorers managed to get under the skin of Aaron Finch, the Australian skipper in limited-overs cricket.

Finch was frustrated to such an extent that he went to umpire Michael Gough, who was standing at square-leg, for advice. However, Gough, who has officiated in 62 ODIs, didn’t pay heed to the Victorian, saying that “you’re on your own.”

Aaron Finch lauded the duo for their batsmanship

“I remember a match between India and Australia, and Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were putting on a huge partnership,” the 40-year-old Gough was quoted as saying in Wisden Cricket Monthly.

Finch started with praising Kohli and Rohit before asking for the words of wisdom. “I was stood next to Aaron Finch at square-leg and he said to me, during the game, how it was unbelievable to watch these two great players.

“Then he asked me how I would bowl at them! I looked at him and said, ‘I’ve got enough on my plate, you’re on your own there’,” Gough added.

Gough seemed to be talking about India’s ODI against the Aussies earlier this year at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. With the series level at 1-1, India needed to chase down 287. Having lost KL Rahul for 19, the onus was on Rohit and Virat to steady the ship somewhat.

The pair eventually put on 137 runs for the second wicket before being separated by leg-spinner Adam Zampa. Rohit, eventually went on to score 119 off 128 balls with the help of eight fours and six sixes. Virat, on the other hand, could manage 89 off 91 with eight fours.

Just when he was looking set for yet another ODI century, Jos Hazlewood rattled his woodwork. In the end, India tracked the target down with 15 balls to spare. For Finch and Co, Steve Smith’s 132-ball 131 went in vain.