Debasis Sen, Perth: There was no respite for the bowlers as Virat Kohli kept plundering them at will at the nets on Wednesday afternoon at WACA. The Indian captain was at his sublime best as he middle every ball that he faced at the nets. Amidst the injury concerns to Rohit Sharma and Prithvi Shaw, the team is confident of building on the lead in the series.
India’s afternoon session was an optional one, almost every player was at the ground. Rohit Sharma, who jarred his shoulder while fielding in the first Test, was not around, and information about his fitness status was not forthcoming from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
But, most others were at the ground, although the intensity levels varied. After a tight game in Adelaide, with a quick turnaround, it made sense for those with the heaviest workloads to take it easy, but even they did not take the option of cooling heels at the hotel. Instead, some had a gym session at the ground, some had longish fielding drills and others took throwdowns.
M Vijay, who could not make the most of the two opportunities in Adelaide, worked with Sanjay Bangar, the batting coach, at an outside net, leaving, leaving, leaving and leaving balls that came his way. The left-handed throw-down specialist from Sri Lanka, Nuwan Seneviratne, was at hand to approximate Michell Starc. With Adelaide behind them and much being spoken about the pace and bounce expected in Perth — the Indians will be hoping to extend the lead here.