Rohit in, Vihari out: Gavaskar suggests playing XI for SCG Test, wants Mayank to open

Suggesting changes to India's winning playing XI at MCG, former skipper Sunil Gavaskar has backed Mayank Agarwal to open for Team India at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) despite his poor run in first two Test. Gavaskar, however, wants Rohit Sharma to replace Shubman Gill at top order pushing young gun in middle order. Gill made an impressive debut at MCG scoring 45 and 35 t out in two innings. 

veteran opening batsman also suggested that Test specialist Hanuma Vihari should be dropped for third Test but did t comment on replacement for injured Umesh Yadav. "I will have Mayank-Rohit opening, Gill in middle order, and Vihari goes out for third Test," Gavaskar said on Sony Sports Network. 

While Mayank has scored 31 runs in four innings, Vihari aggregated 45 in three in ongoing Test series. After India's historic win at MCG in Boxing Day Test, Gavaskar had lauded Rahane's century on Tuesday. "I believe that this hundred is going to be one of most important hundreds in history of Indian cricket," Gavaskar told Seven Network. He had also said that kck sent out a mess to home side that India will t "lie down and be walked all over" despite humiliating loss in series opener.

READ | Team India Delighted As Rohit Sharma Joins Squad; Shastri Quips, 'You're Looking Younger'

"Important because it's showing character, sending a mess to opposition that after being dismissed for 36 in previous game, to come back in this manner, this Indian team is t going to just lie down and be walked all over," former India captain had said.

Rohit Sharma joins squad in Melbourne

In a massive boost to Indian team, Rohit Sharma joined entire squad on Wednesday after ending his quarantine period in Sydney. Sharma's return to Team India will boost entire squad's morale at a time when several key players have been ruled out of Test series due to injuries including skipper Virat Kohli who has flown back home for birth of his first child. 

READ | Sreesanth Roped In By Kerala For Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy As Speedster Eyes Comeback

entire squad jumped to welcome Rohit Sharma as he entered hotel in Melbourne. Amongst those seen in video shared by BCCI were KL Rahil, Ravindra Jadeja, T Natarajan, Jasprit Bumrah, Mayank Agarwal, skipper Ajinkya Rahane and coach Ravi Shastri. coach was also seen having a friendly chat with opener. 

SCG gets d to host 3rd Test 

Clearing cloud of doubt over occasion for third Test of Border Gavaskar Trophy, Cricket Australia has confirmed that Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) will host third Test of series, as per schedule. rising number of COVID-19 cases had cast a doubt on SCG playing host for annual pink Test, putting national cricket board on high alert. However, officials have affirmed that COVID-19 threat has subsided eugh allowing match at SCG to proceed as per schedule. 

sudden rise in COVID-19 cases in Sydney had forced CA officials to prepare Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to host back-to-back matches after end of Boxing Day Test. However, interim CA CEO Nick Hockley has stated that board has received a go-ahead from NSW government. 

READ | Rahane Shares Heartfelt Mess Post MCG Heroics, Highlights Team India's 'biggest Reward'

READ | Australia's Batting Line-up Doesn't Look Settled, Full Marks To Indian Bowlers: Tendulkar