Xtra Time Web Desk: Virat Kohli and his team will head into the first day-night Test against Australia with a lot of optimism and happy selection dilemmas, having managed to tick most of the boxes before drawing the three-day pink-ball dress rehearsal against Australia A at Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday.
Australia A gave a better account of themselves on an eased out third day track, despite being reduced to 25 for 3, ending on 305 for 4 riding on Ben McDermott and Jack Wildermuth’s centuries. The talented McDermott (107 off 167 balls), younger son of Craig McDermott who was India’s tormentor during the forgettable 91-92 series, along with his skipper Alex Carey (58, 111 balls) added 117 runs in a counter-attacking fourth wicket partnership to partially save the game. Rookie Wildermuth (111 off 119 balls) also got his ton and added 165 runs with McDermott
The hosts major concern heading into the first test will be the lack of form of its openers with both Joe Burns and Marcus Harris failing also in the second innings. Both Burns (1) and Harris (5) were sent back by Mohammed Shami (2/58 in 13 overs).
There were a lot of positives for the visitors ahead of the Day Night test in Adelaide which starts from December 17. Shubman Gill’s composure and technique opening the innings wouldn’t have gone unnoticed compared to Shaw’s loose batting during his two knocks in the game. Similarly, Hanuma Vihari strongly kept himself in the hunt with a hundred that again reflected his patient approach. With his handy off-breaks, one such delivery got rid of Carey, he can be a good option for the sixth specialist batsman’s spot in the side. Wicket keeper batsman Rishabh Pant too played an attacking yet impressive knock. If the day/night warm-up game is any indicator, then Rishabh Pant, after his 73-ball hundred, is the primary contender for donning the big gloves.
As far as bowling is concerned, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav and Ravichandran Ashwin look all set to start the Test match.
The four-Test series gets underway from December 17 in Adelaide.