Last Updated:
India were provided with practice pitches that had ‘lower bounce’ and ‘absolutely nothing’ for the pacers.
Jasorit Bumrah bowling in the MCG Nets
The challenges for Team India in Melbourne seem unending at the moment. The local media has already targeted the visitors, and ahead of the Boxing Day Test, the practice facilities at the MCG seem to be the problem.
According to a Times of India report, India were provided with practice pitches that had ‘lower bounce’ and ‘absolutely nothing’ for the pacers. Until the fast bowlers used their shoulders, not many deliveries rose above waist height.
“India’s quicks Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep were operating with the new ball for most of the session, but there was very little help for the trio. Bumrah did slip in a few gems, but they were mostly because of his use of angles and the subtle wrist work,” the report read.
Australia Yet to Train
The hosts are yet to begin their training in Melbourne and have an optional training session on Monday. However, it’s highly unlikely that they will train on the same flat tracks. The report further stated that several pitches in the practice arena were covered throughout India’s session on Sunday, and when the covers came off, they looked much ‘spicier’ than what the visitors practised on.
Rohit Gets Hits in the Nets
Captain Rohit Sharma suffered an injury scare on Sunday while batting in the nets. The 37-year-old Indian batter was hit on his left knee while facing throwdown specialist Daya during India’s second practice session.
“The Indian captain removed his gear, settled into a chair, and the physio got the ice pack out. There was pain visible on the right-hander’s face when the pack was put on, and the physio later placed the left leg on a chair to get Rohit into a comfortable position,” a Times of India report read.
“The blow didn’t look that serious, and the physio is taking precautions to ensure swelling, if any, subsides. There is still some time left for the Boxing Day Test to begin, and Rohit would hope the pain goes away,” it added.
- Location :
Melbourne, Australia
