Internet Desk: Vice-captain of the Indian cricket team Rohit Sharma gave a reply to Australian skipper Steve Smith, where he appealed to both the sides that the series should be played in good spirit. According to Rohit a line should be drawn between two of the most aggressive sides of the world. As per the star Indian opener Australia’s intentions would be clear only once the series got underway in Chennai on Sunday.
“We have to wait and see once the tournament starts. But we have to play in the spirit of the game. We are two aggressive sides but there needs to be a line that has to be drawn. A lot of these guys have played enough cricket to understand that. We always come hard at each other and that’s what India-Australia cricket is all about,” Rohit told the media in Chennai.
Ahead of their first practice match against the Board President XI Smith also said that he thinks the series between India and Australia will be played in good spirit.
“I think it will be played in good spirit. It is a hard-fought contest playing against India,” Smith said. “I am not too concerned about the differences with Kohli. He is obviously a very good player and has a phenomenal ODI record.”
Rohit also stated that the team would definitely miss the service of star opener Shikhar Dhawan who won’t be a part for the first three ODIs to be with his wife who is very sick. Dhawan was red hot form in the Champions Trophy and played a sheet anchors role in the first two ODIs against Sri Lanka.
“We have a great bench strength. Shikhar’s absence will be felt. He has had a big role to play from the Champions Trophy to the tour of Sri Lanka. But we have a few guys who can replace him.”
The team management might give a chance to Ajinkya Rahane to open the innings with Rohit Sharma. He was the man-of-the series when India toured West Indies in the absence of Rohit Sharma.