Xtra Time Web Desk: The Australian cricket team led by Pat Cummins reached Nagpur on Monday evening. The second batch of the Australian touring party comprising mostly of support staffs will reach the Orange City at 8am on Tuesday. The visitors are definitely not happy with this arrangement as there was some logistical issues. The Australian have a training schedule at the Vidarbha Cricket Association stadium in Jamtha from 9:30 am. So, the support staffs have to literally check in at the team hotel and rush to the stadium.
Meanwhile the Australian players looked quite relaxed. The likes of Steve Smith and David Warner was seen busy with their mobile phones as they came out of the Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport. Fast bowler Josh Hazzledwood, who has been ruled out of the first test due to an injury travelled with the first batch. Hazzlewood will start bowling at the nets in Nagpur. The Australian team management will take a call on Hazzlewood’s availability for the second test at Delhi only after watching his progress.
Aussie all-rounder Cameron Green was also part of the first batch. If he is picked in the playing XI for first test, he will only play as a batter. The visitors are likely to include Scott Boland or Lance Morris in the absence of Hazzlewood.
As far as spinners are concerned, Nathan Lyon will be supported by Todd Murphy. It is very likely that Australia will go in with three frontline pacers in the likes of captain Pat Cummins, Scott Boland and Lance Morris.
The first test starts at the VCA stadium in Jamtha from February 9.