Vice-captain Rohit Sharma, who looks set to replace opener Mayank Agarwal in the third Test, checks his fluency against pacers in extended net session
India's Rohit Sharma (C) plays a shot in the nets during a training session at the MCG in Melbourne. Pic/AFP
A 40-minute batting session was not enough. Rohit Sharma wanted a longer stint and asked batting coach Vikram Rathore to keep throwing him balls in the spare net. Ever since completing quarantine on December 29, Rohit has increased his practice intensity gradually.
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On Tuesday, he faced the Indian pace bowlers armed with a new ball. The ball caused a sweet sound off the bat, but the fluency was lacking. Twice he asked bowling coach Bharat Arun to check whether his back lift was straight. He then discussed his back-and-across movement before continuing to face Jasprit Bumrah. Rohit is a certain starter, but the big question is whether he will open the batting against one of the best bowling units in the world.
The fate of Mayank Agarwal and Hanuma Vihari will depend on whether Rohit opens or moves down the order. Given Rohit has made the decision to open in red-ball cricket, it's likely that the team will play him at the top, meaning Agarwal will miss out.
Pujara's plans affected
Cheteshwar Pujara has had a few tough days. The India No. 3 was hit on the finger in Melbourne and again in Sydney. There are no concerns about his availability, but the two blows have hampered his preparations. He has been dismissed twice by Pat Cummins with balls that were delivered slightly wider of the crease. He has been working hard with Rathore to come up with a ploy to tackle the angled delivery. He has tried to change his guard and even open his stance, but the finger blows have resulted in him only facing the spinners and throwdowns in the nets.
The pitch for the third Test is expected to be a typical Sydney Cricket Ground one, offering pace and carry for the new ball, but after 15-20 overs, it should flatten out to be a nice track for batting. The low bounce and the fast outfield means Sydney could be the friendliest surface for batsmen in the series.
Saini to debut?
Meanwhile, Navdeep Saini is likely to make his Test debut as India shift to Plan B following injuries to their top bowlers. Taking 20 wickets could be tough for the visitors and that's the reason they may opt for the express pace of Saini to provide crucial breakthroughs.
While India look to have settled on their playing XI, the home side will be buoyed by the return of David Warner. The dynamic opening batsman will be partnered by debutant Will Pucovski with Matthew Wade dropping to No. 6 and Travis Head likely to be axed.
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