Published 18:03 IST, January 1st 2021
'Hitman show about to unfold': Rohit Sharma gets into Test mode, sweats it out in the nets
Putting an end to his much-awaited return, India's swashbuckling opener Rohit Sharma hit the nets on Friday ahead of the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground
Putting an end to his much-awaited return, India's swashbuckling opener Rohit Sharma hit the nets on Friday ahead of the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The right-handed batsman was seen polishing his defence skills and stroke plays as he had a go at some throwdowns in the nets. Sharma looked fresh as ever and back in his groove during his net session which could be seen from the short video of the same shared by the BCCI.
Rohit appointed as vice-captain
The Indian opener has also been appointed as Team India's vice-captain for the remaining two Tests against Australia. Sharma will assume the role of Ajinkya Rahane's deputy taking over the duties from Cheteshwar Pujara. The decision also means that Rohit Sharma is set to feature in the playing XI for the third Test at the SCG.
The board has also included T Natarajan into the squad to replace Umesh Yadav, who has been ruled out of the series. Yadav had sustained an injury in the first innings of the Boxing Day Test at MCG and has been sent to the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru for rehab.
SCG gets nod to host 3rd Test
Clearing the cloud of doubt over the occasion for the third Test of the Border Gavaskar Trophy, Cricket Australia has confirmed that the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) will host the third Test of the series, as per the schedule. The rising number of COVID-19 cases had cast a doubt on the SCG playing the host for the annual pink Test, putting the national cricket board on high alert. However, officials have affirmed that the COVID-19 threat has subsided enough allowing the match at the SCG to proceed as per schedule.
India level series at the MCG
Staging a gutsy comeback in the second Test after the Adelaide rout, the touring Indian party without several key players defeated the Australians by 8 wickets to level the Test series 1-1 on Tuesday. The Indian bowlers worked in tandem to bundle the Aussies out for just 200 in their second innings as the batsmen just had to chase a paltry total of 70 which they did in style.
Updated 18:03 IST, January 1st 2021