IND vs AUS: Indians are going to bounce back at the MCG, feels Joe Burns

Trailing 0-1 in the series after the batting debacle here and with Virat Kohli going back to India for the birth of his first child, India will be led by Ajinkya Rahane in the remainder of the Test series

If opener Joe Burns's views are any indication, another onerous task awaits an embattled Indian team, as Australia are entering the second Test believing that a favourable result for them in Melbourne could "decide the fate" of the four-match series.

Trailing 0-1 in the series after the batting debacle here and with Virat Kohli going back to India for the birth of his first child, India will be led by Ajinkya Rahane in the remainder of the Test series. "We have got some scars as well, we just have to prepare well, start well and carry on the momentum from the last game," Burns said during a virtual press conference on Monday.

"We know that Indians are going to bounce back in the next Test, which is going to play a crucial role in [deciding the] fate of the series." The absence of Kohli and Mohammed Shami will be "big losses" but Burns is expecting a strong comeback by the visitors. "I think Shami and Virat are obviously big losses for India. In saying that the Indian team does have very good depth as well. So, they are still going to be very challenging," Burns said.

"It is always hard to replace world class players like that, but when we look [at the guys] that they got to come in, we are going to prepare well for the next game. We know that Indians are going to bounce back strongly," the opener added.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!