Debasis Sen, Sydney: An advertisement slogan at the nets area here at the Sydney Cricket Ground said, “What’s your Plan B”. Well Virat Kohli does have a Plan B in store ahead of the four match test series against Australia starting in Adelaide from December 06. The world’s best batsman was seen using the bowlers’ footmarks at the opposite end of the nets at the SCG to prepare against Nathan Lyon. Kohli got his hands dirty at the SCG nets on Tuesday to create a replica of what it might be like to face Aussie spinner Nathan Lyon on a wearing day-five pitch with a Test match on the line. He later asked Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar to throw in the ball on those roughs.
The other Indian batsmen – KL Rahul and Cheteswar Pujara were seen practicing pull shots with tennis balls. Team India’s throw down specialists Raghavendra was also instructed to pitch the ball short aiming at the ribs of the batsman to prepare themselves against the likes of Starc, Hazzlewood and Cummins.
Well the Aussie pace trio were seen bowling at Steve Smith at the Sydney Cricket Ground nets. Despite having not played a first-class match since the infamous Cape Town Test in March, Smith was more than a match for the trio as they prepare for the first Test against India in Adelaide from December 6. There was no speed gun, but it appeared as though the Aussie quicks were operating at top pace, a positive sign for Australian fans ahead of the summer against Virat Kohli and his charges. Later Smith had a long session with the three, giving them his useful advice on where to pitch it up against the Indian batsmen, read Kohli.
Cricket Australia XI captain Sam Whiteman was impressed with Smith turning up for training at the adjacent nets.
“He still can’t play for five or six months, so to see him in there training getting frustrated when he nicks one is pretty cool to see and definitely a great lesson for all those younger guys,” signed off Whiteman.
Indians will face CA XI in a four day practice match at the SCG starting from Wednesday.